(a) The General Assembly finds that:(1) As diagnosis of prenatal conditions improves, more lethal fetal anomalies are diagnosed earlier in pregnancy;(2)(A) Currently, parents are often given minimal options.(B) Parents must choose between terminating the pregnancy or simply waiting for the child to die;(3) The majority of parents in the situation described in subdivision (a)(2) of this section choose to terminate the pregnancy, with only twenty percent (20%) of parents deciding to continue the pregnancy;(4) Studies indicate that choosing to terminate a pregnancy can pose severe long-term psychological risks for a woman, including the risk of post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety;(5) Parents who choose to continue the pregnancy under the supportive, compassionate care of a perinatal palliative care team report being emotionally and spiritually prepared for the birth of a child; and(6) Studies reveal that when given the option, at least eighty to eighty-seven percent (80-87%) of parents choose to continue their pregnancies in a supportive environment of perinatal palliative care.(b) It is the purpose of this subchapter to: (1) Guarantee that a woman considering an abortion f parents choose to continue their pregnancies in a supportive environment of perinatal palliative care.(b) It is the purpose of this subchapter to: (1) Guarantee that a woman considering an abortion after a diagnosis of a lethal fetal anomaly is presented with information on the option of perinatal palliative care; and(2) Ensure that any abortion choice that a woman makes has been fully informed. Acts 2019, No. 953, § 1, eff. 7/24/2020.
Arkansas Legal Code