The bill amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding abortion, specifically focusing on medical consultation and informed consent. It removes the requirement for a private medical consultation with the physician performing the abortion or the referring physician, except in medical emergencies. Additionally, it clarifies that a physician's best clinical judgment in determining the necessity of an abortion can consider various factors related to the woman's well-being, while explicitly stating that abortions sought solely based on the sex of the unborn child are not deemed necessary.
Furthermore, the bill modifies the informed consent process by eliminating specific requirements for the physician to provide detailed information to the woman at least 24 hours prior to the abortion. This includes information about the procedure, risks, gestational age, and available medical assistance benefits. The previous stipulations regarding the provision of printed materials and the woman's written certification of receiving this information have also been removed. The act is set to take effect in 60 days following its passage.