Supporters say that the bills are constitutional. Those who oppose the original bills say that the bills are a poorly disguised attempt to infringe on a woman's right to choose. Opponents say that the bills do nothing to improve the safety of abortions and even make abortions riskier because the bills severely limit access to abortions. Opponents say the vast majority of abortions are performed without any health consequences to the woman and that abortions are far safer than childbirth and other medical procedures. Opponents also say that the bills are not consistent with the newest standards of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Opponents say that the bills are unconstitutional.
This bill makes several changes concerning abortion. The bill changes the gestational age at which an abortion must be done in a licensed hospital from 16 weeks to 18 weeks. In the period from 14 weeks to 18 weeks, abortions must be done in licensed hospitals or licensed ambulatory surgical centers. During the first 14 weeks, abortions must be performed in licensed hospitals, licensed ambulatory surgical centers, physicians' offices, or outpatient clinics. The bill also requires a physician to be present in the abortion facility until the patient is discharged.