AR SB1050

Only physicians licensed to practice medicine in Arkansas may perform abortions; violations constitute a Class D felony, and women cannot be charged criminally for terminating their own pregnancies.

The State Board of Health may issue immediate license suspensions for abortion clinics upon determining violations of federal or state law that pose imminent threats to patient health, welfare, or safety.

Abortion clinics must be licensed by the Department of Health if they perform abortions on ten or more women in any month, and the department shall conduct unannounced annual inspections including review of facilities, equipment, procedures, medical records, and consent signatures.

The Department of Health must adopt rules and regulations regarding abortion clinic facilities, equipment, procedures, medical records, and informed/parental consent signatures to ensure aseptic conditions and prevent health hazards.

Abortion facilities must pay an annual licensing fee of $500, with license applications for existing institutions due by January 2 or subject to a penalty of $2.00 per day.