This bill seeks to amend the North Dakota Century Code by establishing an abortion approval committee and outlining a framework for abortion procedures, including an emergency medical exception. It modifies existing laws related to abortion by changing the definition of "abortion," clarifying informed consent requirements, and detailing the conditions under which abortions may be performed. Key amendments include the removal of language regarding the necessity of abortions based on reasonable medical judgment and gestational age, as well as updates to definitions such as "abortion facility" and "fetus." The bill also introduces new consent requirements for unemancipated minors, ensuring parental notification under certain circumstances while allowing for judicial bypass in specific cases.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that physicians inform women of the medical reasons for an abortion and obtain written consent from parents or guardians for minors under eighteen, with exceptions for medical emergencies. It establishes an abortion approval committee within licensed hospitals to assess the medical necessity of proposed procedures and outlines gestational limits for performing abortions. The legislation also includes provisions for the humane disposal of nonviable fetuses, clarifies the legal status of a fetus in certain contexts, and requires abortion facilities to maintain comprehensive records and report annually on the committee's activities. Overall, the bill aims to tighten abortion regulations in North Dakota while ensuring protocols for medical emergencies and the involvement of healthcare professionals.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-19.1-03, 14-02.1-02, 14-02.1-02.1, 14-02.1-02.2, 14-02.1-03, 14-02.1-03.1, 14-02.1-05, 14-02.1-07, 14-02.1-08, 14-02.1-09, 14-10-15, 14-10-19