Alabama Abortion Bills 2014
Transcript of Alabama Abortion Bills 2014
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Alabama House Bills 490, 494, 489 and 493
Passed by House: 04- FEB- 14
Ref er r ed t o Senat e
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1 HB490
2 158596-1
3 By Representatives McClurkin, Baughn, Rich, Weaver, Hill,
4 Harper, Farley, Johnson (W), Sessions, Wilcox, Roberts,
5 Butler, Williams (D), Nordgren, Collins, Johnson (K), Greer,
6 Henry, Moore (B), Tuggle, Lee, Carns, Wallace, Buttram,
7 Chesteen, Jones and Williams (J)
8 RFD: Health
9 First Read: 13-FEB-14
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1 158596-1:n:02/13/2014:LLR/th LRS2014-808
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8 SYNOPSIS: This bill would make it unlawful for a
9 physician to perform an abortion on a pregnant
10 woman after a heartbeat has been detected from the
11 unborn child in accordance with the applicable
12 standards of medical care for determining
13 heartbeats of unborn children. This bill would
14 further require a physician to check for a
15 detectable heartbeat prior to performing an
16 abortion.
17 This bill provides for the definition of
18 abortion for the purposes of this bill, as well as
19 certain types of exceptions.
20 This bill also requires written
21 documentation of the procedure used to determine
22 the existence, if any, of a detectable heartbeat in
23 an unborn child and the results thereof.
24 This bill would provide criminal penalties.
25 Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama
26 of 1901, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the
27 Official Recompilation of the Constitution of
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1 Alabama of 1901, as amended, prohibits a general
2 law whose purpose or effect would be to require a
3 new or increased expenditure of local funds from
4 becoming effective with regard to a local
5 governmental entity without enactment by a 2/3 vote
6 unless: it comes within one of a number of
7 specified exceptions; it is approved by the
8 affected entity; or the Legislature appropriates
9 funds, or provides a local source of revenue, to
10 the entity for the purpose.
11 The purpose or effect of this bill would be
12 to require a new or increased expenditure of local
13 funds within the meaning of the amendment. However,
14 the bill does not require approval of a local
15 governmental entity or enactment by a 2/3 vote to
16 become effective because it comes within one of the
17 specified exceptions contained in the amendment.
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19 A BILL
20 TO BE ENTITLED
21 AN ACT
22
23 To provide for the Fetal Heartbeat Act; to make it
24 unlawful for a physician to perform an abortion on a pregnant
25 woman after a heartbeat has been detected from the unborn
26 child; to provide for the definition of abortion as referenced
27 herein, as well as certain types of exceptions; to require a
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1 physician to check for a detectable heartbeat from an unborn
2 child prior to performing an abortion as defined herein; to
3 require written documentation of the procedure used to
4 determine the existence, if any, of a detectable heartbeat in
5 an unborn child and the results thereof; to provide criminal
6 penalties; and in connection therewith would have as its
7 purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased
8 expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Amendment 621
9 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as
10 Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the
11 Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended.
12 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
13 Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited
14 as the Fetal Heartbeat Act.
15 Section 2. An abortion is defined as the use or
16 prescription of any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other
17 substance or device with the intent to terminate the pregnancy
18 of a woman known to be pregnant with knowledge that the
19 termination by those means will with reasonable likelihood
20 cause the death of the unborn child. The use or prescription
21 is not an abortion if done with the intent to save the life or
22 preserve the health of an unborn child, remove a dead unborn
23 child, or to deliver the unborn child prematurely in order to
24 preserve the health of both the mother (pregnant woman) and
25 her unborn child. The term "abortion" as used in these rules,
26 does not include a procedure or act to terminate the pregnancy
27 of a woman with an ectopic pregnancy, nor does it include the
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1 procedure or act to terminate the pregnancy of a woman when
2 the unborn child has a lethal anomaly. For the purposes of
3 this act, a "lethal anomaly" means that the child would die at
4 birth or be stillborn. For the purposes of this act, the term
5 "ectopic pregnancy" means any pregnancy resulting from a
6 fertilized egg that has implanted or attached outside the
7 uterus. The term "ectopic pregnancy" also includes a pregnancy
8 resulting from a fertilized egg implanted inside the cornu of
9 the uterus.
10 Section 3. A physician shall not perform an abortion
11 on a pregnant woman without first determining if the unborn
12 child the pregnant woman is carrying has a detectable
13 heartbeat. The procedure for detecting the heartbeat shall be
14 pursuant to the applicable medical standard of care.
15 Section 4. A physician shall not perform an abortion
16 on a pregnant woman whose unborn child's heartbeat has been
17 detected according to the requirements of this act.
18 Section 5. It is not in violation of this act to
19 perform an abortion on a pregnant woman if a physician has
20 performed a procedure for the presence of a heartbeat in the
21 unborn child utilizing the applicable medical standard of care
22 and that procedure does not reveal a heartbeat in the unborn
23 child. The physician shall document in writing the procedure
24 used to determine the existence of the heartbeat in the unborn
25 child, the date the procedure was performed and the results of
26 the procedure.
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1 Section 6. Notwithstanding that a detectable
2 heartbeat has been determined, it shall not be a violation of
3 this act if an abortion is performed by a physician pursuant
4 to the applicable medical standard of care for treatment of a
5 condition that, absent an abortion, is likely to result in the
6 death of the pregnant woman or is likely to result in
7 substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily
8 function of the pregnant woman, not including psychological or
9 emotional conditions.
10 Section 7. A physician who performs a medical
11 procedure which results in an abortion, notwithstanding that a
12 detectable heartbeat has been determined, shall declare in
13 writing that the medical procedure is necessary, and is
14 performed pursuant to the applicable medical standard of care
15 for treatment of a condition that, absent an abortion, is
16 likely to result in the death of the pregnant woman or is
17 likely to result in substantial and irreversible impairment of
18 a major bodily function of the pregnant woman, not including
19 psychological or emotional conditions. A physician shall
20 document in the writing the medical condition of the pregnant
21 woman, the reason why the medical procedure resulting in an
22 abortion was necessary, and the medical rationale for the
23 conclusion that the abortion was necessary to prevent the
24 death of the pregnant woman or substantial and irreversible
25 impact of a major bodily function of the pregnant woman, not
26 including psychological or emotional conditions.
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1 Section 8. Documentation required by this act shall
2 be maintained in the same manner as other similar medical
3 records, such as those used to claim medical reimbursement or
4 used to demonstrate compliance with statutory and regulatory
5 requirements. The documentation shall be maintained for a
6 period of not less than seven years, and copies shall be made
7 available to the affected patient, state health regulators,
8 and state licensure authorities upon request. Records and
9 documentation may be created electronically, maintained
10 electronically, or both, so long as the records are readily
11 reproducible in paper format.
12 Section 9. Nothing in this act shall prohibit the
13 sale, use, prescription, or administration of a measure, drug,
14 or chemical designed for contraceptive purposes.
15 Section 10. It shall be a Class C felony for a
16 physician to fail to perform a procedure to determine the
17 presence of a heartbeat in the unborn child or to perform an
18 abortion on an unborn child whose heartbeat has been
19 determined. The pregnant woman shall not be prosecuted for
20 violation of this act or for conspiracy to violate this act.
21 Section 11. If a physician fails to perform a
22 procedure to determine the heartbeat of the unborn child or
23 performs an abortion of a child having established its
24 heartbeat, he or she shall have his or her license revoked and
25 shall be subject to such additional disciplinary action as
26 shall be determined by the appropriate regulatory authority.
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1 Section 12. Although this bill would have as its
2 purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased
3 expenditure of local funds, the bill is excluded from further
4 requirements and application under Amendment 621, now
5 appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of
6 the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, because the
7 bill defines a new crime or amends the definition of an
8 existing crime.
9 Section 13. The provisions of this act are
10 severable. If any part of this act is declared invalid or
11 unconstitutional, that declaration shall not effect the part
12 which remains.
13 Section 14. This law shall become effective 30 days
14 after signing by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.
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1 HB494
2 158670-4
3 By Representatives Jones, Merrill, Beckman, Williams (J),
4 Shedd, Weaver, Baker, Wallace, Johnson (K), Collins, Nordgren,
5 Hammon, Tuggle, Sessions, Rich, McClurkin, Greer and Henry
6 RFD: Health
7 First Read: 13-FEB-14
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1 ENGROSSED
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4 A BILL
5 TO BE ENTITLED
6 AN ACT
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8 Relating to the Parental Consent Law; to amend
9 Sections 26-21-1 to 26-21-4, inclusive, and Section 26-21-7,
10 Code of Alabama 1975, and to add Section 26-21-6.1 to the Code
11 of Alabama 1975, to require the signature of a parent, legal
12 guardian, or adoptive parent of a minor to a consent form to
13 be signed in the presence of the abortion provider or agent
14 and to be accompanied with specific identification and
15 evidence, and to provide for certain alternative
16 identification and evidence requirements; to require certain
17 documents proving that a minor is emancipated to be certified
18 by the appropriate issuing authority; to prohibit a parent,
19 legal guardian, custodian, or any other person from coercing a
20 minor to have an abortion performed; to provide that the
21 Department of Public Health develop appropriate forms for the
22 consent and emancipation; to provide for certain civil actions
23 including professional disciplinary actions and license
24 suspension; to provide for the right of intervention; to
25 provide for the appointment of a guardian ad litem to
26 represent the interests of the unborn child during certain
27 proceedings; to provide for certain civil actions based on a
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1 violation of Title 26, Chapter 21, Code of Alabama 1975; and
2 to provide for certain exemptions from liability for
3 physicians.
4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
5 Section 1. Sections 26-21-1 to 26-21-4, inclusive,
6 and Sections 26-21-6 and 26-21-7, Code of Alabama 1975, are
7 amended to read as follows:
8 "26-21-1.
9 "(a) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting
10 this parental consent provision to further the important and
11 compelling state interests of: (1) protecting minors against
12 their own immaturity, (2) fostering the family structure and
13 preserving it as a viable social unit, and (3) protecting the
14 rights of parents to rear children who are members of their
15 household.
16 "(b) The Legislature finds as fact that: (1)
17 immature minors often lack the ability to make fully informed
18 choices that take account of both immediate and long-range
19 consequences, (2) the medical, emotional, and psychological
20 consequences of abortion are serious and can be lasting,
21 particularly when the patient is immature, (3) the capacity to
22 become pregnant and the capacity for mature judgment
23 concerning the wisdom of an abortion are not necessarily
24 related, (4) parents ordinarily possess information essential
25 to a physician's exercise of his or her best medical judgment
26 concerning the child, and (5) parents who are aware that their
27 minor daughter has had an abortion may better insure that she
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1 receives adequate medical attention after her abortion. The
2 Legislature further finds that parental consultation is
3 usually desirable and in the best interests of the minor.
4 "(c) The Legislature further finds that the United
5 States Supreme Court has held under certain circumstances a
6 minor may seek permission to have an abortion without her
7 parent's consent by petitioning a court. The Legislature
8 enacts a judicial by-pass procedure for the purposes of
9 meeting the Constitutional standard and finds that in order to
10 do substantial justice it is necessary that the Alabama courts
11 be provided guidance in determining appropriate procedure and
12 evidence.
13 "(d) The Legislature further finds the public policy
14 of the State of Alabama is to respect life and provide
15 safeguards to protect life in the criminal, health, and other
16 laws of the State of Alabama; that in respecting and
17 protecting life, there is included the unborn life of a child
18 whose life may be subject to termination before birth by
19 abortion and that when the mother of said unborn life is a
20 minor who seeks an abortion through the judicial by-pass
21 procedure, it is the interest of the State of Alabama to not
22 only establish and protect the rights of the minor mother, but
23 also to protect the state's public policy to protect unborn
24 life; the protection of these interests is done, in part, by
25 requiring judges to make determinations pursuant to the
26 judicial by-pass procedure and to require said judges be
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1 be pregnant, with intent other than to increase the
2 probability of a live birth, to preserve the life or health of
3 the child after live birth, or to remove a dead or dying
4 unborn child knowledge that the termination by those means
5 will with reasonable likelihood cause the death of the unborn
6 child. Such use or prescription is not an abortion if done
7 with the intent to save the life or preserve the health of an
8 unborn child, remove a dead unborn child, or to deliver the
9 unborn child prematurely in order to preserve the health of
10 both the mother (pregnant woman) and her unborn child. The
11 term "abortion" as used herein does not include a procedure or
12 act to terminate the pregnancy of a woman with an ectopic
13 pregnancy, nor does it include the procedure or act to
14 terminate the pregnancy of a woman where the unborn child has
15 a lethal anomaly. For the purposes of this act a "lethal
16 anomaly" means the child would die at birth, or be stillborn.
17 For purposes of this act, the term "ectopic pregnancy" means
18 any pregnancy resulting from a fertilized egg that was
19 implanted or attached outside the uterus. The term "ectopic
20 pregnancy" also includes a pregnancy resulting from a
21 fertilized egg implanted inside the cornu of the uterus.
22 "(4) MEDICAL EMERGENCY. A condition that, absent an
23 abortion performed before the requirements of this act are
24 met, and based on the applicable standard of care, is likely
25 to result in the death of the pregnant woman or is likely to
26 result in substantial irreversible impairment of a major
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1 bodily function of the pregnant woman, not including
2 psychological or emotional conditions.
3 "26-21-3.
4 "(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b)
5 and (e) (d) of this section and Sections 26-21-4 and 26-21-5
6 hereof, no person physician shall perform an abortion upon an
7 unemancipated minor unless he or she the physician or his or
8 her agent first obtains the written consent of either parent
9 or the legal guardian of the minor.
10 "(b) If the minor's pregnancy was caused by sexual
11 intercourse with the minor's natural father, adoptive father,
12 or stepfather or legal guardian, then written notice to the
13 minor's mother by certified mail shall be sufficient.
14 "(c)(b) The person physician who shall perform the
15 abortion or his or her agent shall obtain or be provided with
16 the written consent from either parent or legal guardian
17 stating the names of the minor, parent, or legal guardian,
18 that he or she is informed that the minor desires an abortion
19 and does consent to the abortion, the date, and the consent
20 shall be signed by either parent or legal guardian. The
21 unemancipated minor shall verify on the same form, by her
22 signature and in the presence of such person who shall perform
23 the abortion or his or her agent, that the signature of the
24 parents, parent, or legal guardian is authentic. The consent
25 shall be kept as a part of the minor's patient file for four
26 years. The signatures of the parents, parent, or legal
27 guardian shall be affixed and the information required in this
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1 subsection shall be on a form to be provided by, and shall be
2 written in the presence of, the physician who shall perform
3 the abortion or his or her agent. The parents, parent, or
4 legal guardian shall provide to the physician who shall
5 perform the abortion or his or her agent, evidence of
6 parentage or legal guardianship. For parents or a parent,
7 there shall also be required a certified birth certificate of
8 the minor identifying the minor and the parents or parent. For
9 a legal guardian or adoptive parent, there shall be required a
10 duly certified court order or other official document naming
11 the legal guardian or adoptive parent as such for the minor.
12 If official photographic personal identification has not been
13 issued to any parents, parent, or legal guardian, other
14 official identification shall be acceptable, provided the
15 parents, parent, or legal guardian affirms in writing on the
16 form herein required under oath, with recognition of criminal
17 penalties, that he or she does not possess any photographic
18 identification and that the alternative personal
19 identification provided is his or her identification. The
20 parent, parents or legal guardian signing the consent shall
21 attest with recognition of criminal penalties that he or she
22 is the parent or legal guardian, has not been deprived of
23 primary custody or joint physical custody of the minor by any
24 court of law, and has not given the child up for adoption or
25 otherwise waived parental rights. If the minor does not have a
26 certified birth certificate, an abortion may be performed only
27 if the physician who shall perform the abortion certifies in
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1 writing in the minor's medical record that a medical emergency
2 exists or that there is insufficient time to obtain a
3 certified birth certificate, and provided the minor can
4 provide other government issued identification. The parents,
5 parent, or minor shall obtain a certified birth certificate as
6 soon thereafter as possible and provide a certified copy to
7 the physician who performed the abortion or his or her agent,
8 and if it is not received within 90 days, he or she shall
9 report the failure to the State of Alabama Department of
10 Public Health on a form provided by the department. Any
11 certified document, a photocopy of the personal
12 identification, and any other documentation required by this
13 subsection shall be attached to the completed consent form and
14 shall be kept as a part of the minor's patient file for four
15 years. All signatures required by this act by the minor,
16 parent, parents, legal guardian, physician or other person
17 shall be attested by a notary public.
18 "(d)(c) If the minor is emancipated, the person
19 physician who shall perform the abortion or his or her agent
20 shall obtain a written statement form stating the name of the
21 emancipated minor, that the minor is emancipated, the type of
22 emancipation, and the date, and the form shall be signed by
23 the emancipated minor. The written statement form shall be
24 signed in the presence of the person physician who shall
25 perform the abortion or his or her agent and witnessed by him
26 or her the physician or the agent. The emancipated minor shall
27 also provide a license or certificate of marriage, judgment,
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1 or decree of divorce, order of emancipation or relieving her
2 of the disabilities of nonage, or other court document
3 evidencing her marriage, divorce, or emancipation. Any such
4 document shall be a copy of the original, duly certified by
5 the appropriate court. A copy of any such Such certified
6 document shall be attached to the written statement form and
7 kept as a part of the minor's patient file for four years.
8 "(e)(d) A minor, including a ward of the state, who
9 elects not to seek or does not or cannot for any reason,
10 including unavailability or refusal by either or both parents
11 or legal guardian, obtain consent from either of her parents
12 or legal guardian under this section, may petition, on her own
13 behalf, the juvenile court, or court of equal standing, in the
14 county in which the minor resides or in the county in which
15 the abortion is to be performed for a waiver of the consent
16 requirement of this section pursuant to the procedure of
17 Section 26-21-4.
18 "(e) A parent, legal guardian, custodian, or any
19 other person, shall not coerce a minor to have an abortion
20 performed.
21 "(f) The Department of Public Health shall propose
22 within 90 days of the effective date of this act, the forms
23 required in subsections (b) and (c).
24 "26-21-4.
25 "(a) A minor who elects not to seek or does not or
26 cannot for any reason, obtain consent from either of her
27 parents or legal guardian, may petition, on her own behalf,
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1 the juvenile court, or the court of equal standing, in the
2 county in which the minor resides or in the county in which
3 the abortion is to be performed for a waiver of the consent
4 requirement of this chapter. Notice by the court to the
5 minor's parents, parent, or legal guardian shall not be
6 required or permitted. The requirements and procedures under
7 this chapter shall apply and are available only to minors
8 whether or not they who are residents of this state.
9 "(b) The minor may participate in proceedings in the
10 court on her own behalf. The court shall advise her that she
11 has a right to be represented by an attorney and that if she
12 is unable to pay for the services of an attorney one will be
13 appointed for her. If the court appoints an attorney to
14 represent her, such attorney shall be compensated as provided
15 in Section 15-12-21. If the minor petitioner chooses to
16 represent herself, such pleadings, documents, or evidence that
17 she may file with the court shall be liberally construed by
18 the court so as to do substantial justice. Hearsay evidence
19 shall be admissible.
20 "(c) The court shall insure that the minor is given
21 assistance in preparing and filing the petition and shall
22 insure that the minor's identity is kept confidential. Such
23 assistance may be provided by court personnel including intake
24 personnel of juvenile probation services. The minor's identity
25 shall be kept confidential, but her identity may be made known
26 to the judge, any guardian ad litem, any representative of the
27 Attorney General's Office, appropriate court personnel, any
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1 witness who has a need to know the minor's identity, or any
2 other person determined by the court who needs to know. Any
3 person who is given the identity of the minor shall keep her
4 name confidential and shall not give it to any other person,
5 unless otherwise ordered by the court.
6 "(d) The petition required in Section 26-21-3(e)(d)
7 shall be made under oath and shall include all of the
8 following:
9 "(1) A statement that the petitioner is pregnant;
10 "(2) A statement that the petitioner is unmarried,
11 under 18 years of age, and unemancipated;
12 "(3) A statement that the petitioner wishes to have
13 an abortion without the consent of either parent or legal
14 guardian.
15 "(4) An allegation of either or both of the
16 following:
17 "a. That the petitioner is sufficiently mature and
18 well enough informed to intelligently decide whether to have
19 an abortion without the consent of either of her parents or
20 legal guardian.
21 "b. That one or both of her parents or her guardian
22 has engaged in a pattern of physical, sexual, or emotional
23 abuse against her, or that the consent of her parents, parent
24 or legal guardian otherwise is not in her best interest.
25 "(5) A statement as to whether the petitioner has
26 retained an attorney and the name, address, and telephone
27 number of her attorney.
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1 "(e) Court proceedings shall be given such
2 precedence over other pending matters as is necessary to
3 insure that the court may reach a decision promptly, but in no
4 case, except as provided herein, shall the court fail to rule
5 within 72 48 hours of the time the petition is filed,
6 Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays excluded. Provided,
7 however, this time requirement may be extended on the request
8 of the minor or any other participant in the proceeding, or by
9 order of the court for the purpose of obtaining further
10 testimony or evidence necessary for it to make an informed
11 decision and to do substantial justice. If a juvenile court
12 judge is not available for the hearing provided herein, the
13 clerk of the court in which the petition was filed shall
14 forthwith notify the presiding circuit court judge and the
15 presiding circuit court judge of the circuit shall immediately
16 appoint a district or circuit court level judge to hear the
17 petition.
18 "(f) Except as otherwise required by the section,
19 this court shall adhere to the Rules of Juvenile Procedure,
20 the Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Evidence required of
21 Alabama courts. The court shall assure that it is presented
22 sufficient probative evidence upon which to make its findings,
23 either granting or denying the minor's petition. If the court
24 determines at the initial hearing on the petition that
25 additional evidence or testimony is necessary, the court may
26 adjourn the hearing and issue instanter subpoenas or otherwise
27 permit any party or participant in the hearing to bring before
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1 the court admissible evidence or testimony either in support
2 of or against the petition.
3 "(f)(g) The required consent shall be waived if the
4 court finds either:
5 "(1) That the minor is mature and well-informed
6 enough to make the abortion decision on her own; or
7 "(2) That performance of the abortion would be in
8 the best interest of the minor.
9 "(h) In determining if either of the requirements in
10 subsection (g) are met, the court shall require that the minor
11 provide probative and admissible evidence that she has been
12 informed and understands the medical procedure of abortion and
13 its consequences and that she has been informed and counseled
14 by a qualified person as to the alternatives to abortion. She
15 shall explain each of the foregoing to the court and the court
16 shall be satisfied that she is making an informed judgment and
17 shall document its finding in its order. The minor shall
18 present such additional probative evidence to the court of her
19 maturity that demonstrates to the court that she has
20 sufficient experience with and understanding of life which
21 enables her to make mature and informed decisions. Further,
22 the minor may provide to the court a substantive explanation
23 of why she cannot consult with her parent, parents, or legal
24 guardian to assist her in making the decision. It shall not be
25 sufficient that the court find the minor mature because she
26 has requested relief from the court, but rather the totality
27 of the evidence must be probative and of such weight to prove
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1 that the minor is mature and well-informed enough to make the
2 abortion decision on her own, or that the performance of the
3 abortion will be in her best interest. Uncorroborated legal
4 conclusions by the minor shall not be sufficient to support a
5 determination by the court to grant her petition. In the event
6 of a denial of the petition by the court, the minor may
7 re-file the petition once for a de novo hearing with the
8 court.
9 "(i) The court shall immediately notify the Attorney
10 General's Office of the filing of the petition on the day of
11 such filing and the Attorney General or his or her
12 representative shall participate as an advocate for the state
13 to examine the petitioner and any witnesses, and to present
14 evidence for the purpose of providing the court with a
15 sufficient record upon which to make an informed decision and
16 to do substantial justice.
17 "(j) In the court's discretion, it may appoint a
18 guardian ad litem for the interests of the unborn child of the
19 petitioner who shall also have the same rights and obligations
20 of participation in the proceeding as given to the Attorney
21 General. The guardian ad litem shall further have the
22 responsibility of assisting and advising the court so the
23 court may make an informed decision and do substantial
24 justice. The guardian ad litem shall be compensated as
25 provided in Section 15-12-21.
26 "(k) Either the Attorney General or his or her
27 representative, or any other party in the proceeding may
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1 request the court for additional time either before the
2 hearing has begun or during the hearing, if justice requires,
3 to obtain evidence, subpoena witnesses, or to obtain and
4 present any evidence or information which will be necessary
5 and appropriate for the court to make an informed decision. In
6 any event, any such delay shall not be more than one business
7 day for which the applicable court is open to the public,
8 unless justice requires an extension thereof. The length of
9 time for any such delay and the information, evidence, or
10 subpoena sought shall be within the sound discretion of the
11 trial court subject to the time constraints of the petitioner
12 related to her medical condition.
13 "(l) Although the court shall not be required or
14 permitted to contact the minor's parent, parents, or legal
15 guardian, in the event that the minor's parent, parents, or
16 legal guardian are otherwise aware of the by-pass proceeding,
17 they, he, or she shall be given notice of and be permitted to
18 participate in the proceeding and be represented by counsel
19 with all of the rights and obligations of any party to the
20 proceeding.
21 "(g)(m) A court that conducts proceedings under this
22 section shall issue written and specific factual findings and
23 legal conclusions supporting its decision and shall order that
24 a confidential record of the evidence be maintained for at
25 least four years. A transcript of the proceedings shall be
26 recorded and if there is an appeal as provided in subsection
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1 (h) (n), a transcript of the proceedings shall be prepared
2 forthwith.
3 "(h)(n) An expedited confidential and anonymous
4 appeal shall be available to any minor to whom the court
5 denies a waiver of consent, the Attorney General, and any
6 guardian ad litem, or the parent, parents, or legal guardian
7 of the minor. If notice of appeal is given, the record of
8 appeal shall be completed and the appeal shall be perfected
9 within five days from the filing of the notice of appeal.
10 Briefs shall not be required but may be permitted. Because
11 time may be of the essence regarding the performance of the
12 abortion, the Alabama Supreme Court shall issue promptly such
13 additional rules as it deems are necessary to insure that
14 appeals under this section are handled in an expeditious,
15 confidential and anonymous manner.
16 "(i)(o) All proceedings under this chapter shall be
17 confidential and anonymous. In all pleadings or court
18 documents, the minor shall be identified by initials only.
19 "(j)(p) No fees or costs shall be required of any
20 minor who avails herself of the procedures provided by this
21 section.
22 "(q) proceedings under this section and with the
23 consent of the minor for whom such proceedings are conducted,
24 the court may refer for prosecution any criminal charge that
25 may be known to said court, including, but not limited to,
26 statutory rape.
27 "26-21-6.
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1 (a)(1) Any person who intentionally performs or
2 causes to be performed an abortion in violation of the
3 provisions of this chapter or intentionally fails to conform
4 to any requirement of this chapter, shall be guilty of a Class
5 A misdemeanor. Any person found guilty under this section
6 shall immediately forfeit any professional license they may
7 hold.
8 (2) Any conviction of any person for any failure to
9 comply with the requirements of this chapter shall result in
10 the automatic immediate suspension of the person's
11 professional license for a period of at least one year and
12 shall be reinstated after that time only on such conditions as
13 the appropriate regulatory or licensing body shall require to
14 insure compliance with this chapter.
15 (b) In addition to whatever remedies are available
16 under the common or statutory law of this state, failure to
17 comply with the requirements of this chapter shall provide a
18 basis for professional disciplinary action under any
19 applicable statutory or regulatory procedure for the
20 suspension or revocation of any license for physicians,
21 psychologists, licensed social workers, licensed professional
22 counselors, registered nurses, or other licensed or regulated
23 persons.
24 "26-21-7.
25 "(a) No physician who complies with the parental
26 consent requirement(s) requirements of this chapter shall be
27 liable in any manner to the minor upon whom the abortion was
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1 performed for any claim whatsoever arising out of or based on
2 the disclosure of any information concerning the medical
3 condition of such minor to her parent(s) or legal guardian(s);
4 provided that parent, parents, or legal guardian.
5 Notwithstanding the foregoing, a physician who performs an
6 abortion pursuant to a court order obtained under the
7 provisions of this chapter, shall not disclose any information
8 regarding same to the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) parent,
9 parents, or legal guardian of the minor unless such disclosure
10 is made pursuant to a court order. In no event shall the
11 physician be under any duty to initiate proceedings in any
12 court to secure a waiver of the parental consent requirement
13 on behalf of any minor who has requested that an abortion be
14 performed.
15 "(b) Any physician who complies with this chapter
16 may not be held civilly liable to his or her patient for
17 failure to obtain consent to the abortion required by this
18 chapter.
19 "(c) A physician or his or her agent who
20 demonstrates compliance with the requirements of this chapter
21 shall not bear criminal or civil liability for the deliberate,
22 intentional, or willful action by the minor or any other
23 person acting in concert with or on behalf of the minor to
24 present fabricated, altered, forged, or counterfeit
25 identification, certificates, or other documentation to
26 satisfy the parental consent requirements of this chapter."
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1 Section 2. Section 26-21-6.1 is added to Chapter 21,
2 Title 26, Code of Alabama 1975, as follows:
3 26-21-6.1.
4 In addition to whatever remedies are available under
5 the common or statutory law of this state, failure to comply
6 with the requirements of this chapter shall provide a basis
7 for a civil action for compensatory and/or punitive damages.
8 Any criminal conviction under this chapter shall be admissible
9 in a civil suit as prima facie evidence of a failure to obtain
10 an informed consent or parental or judicial consent. The civil
11 action may be based on a claim that the action was a result of
12 simple negligence, gross negligence, wantonness, willfulness,
13 intention, or breach of other legal standard of care. The
14 Medical Liability Act of 1987 shall not apply to any civil
15 causes of action brought pursuant to this act.
16 Section 3. The provisions of this act are severable.
17 If any part of this act is declared invalid or
18 unconstitutional, that declaration shall not effect the part
19 which remains.
20 Section 4. This act shall become effective on the
21 first day of the third month following its passage and
22 approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.
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1
2
House of Representatives3
Read for the first time and re-45 ferred to the House of Representa-
tives committee on Health .........6 . 13-FEB-14......
7
Read for the second time and placed89 on the calendar with 1 substitute
and................................10 . 25-FEB-14......
11
Read for the third time and passed12as amended.........................13 . 04-MAR-14......
Yeas 82, Nays 18, Abstains 014
1516 Jeff Woodard17 Clerk18
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1 HB489
2 158594-1
3 By Representatives Henry, Johnson (K), Collins, Carns,
4 Williams (D), Butler, Roberts, Wilcox, Sessions, Laird,
5 Bridges, Baughn, Hammon, Lee, Farley, Standridge, Chesteen,
6 Baker, Drake, Brown, Holmes (M), Faust, Jones, Moore (B),
7 Merrill, McMillan, Greer, Patterson, Tuggle and Johnson (W)
8 RFD: Health
9 First Read: 13-FEB-14
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1 158594-1:n:02/13/2014:PMG/th LRS2014-809
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 SYNOPSIS: Under existing law, a physician or other
9 qualified person is required to provide certain
10 prescribed materials to a woman at least 24 hours
11 before the performance of an abortion.
12 This bill would require a physician or other
13 qualified person to provide the prescribed
14 materials to a woman at least 48 hours before the
15 performance of an abortion.
16
17 A BILL
18 TO BE ENTITLED
19 AN ACT
20
21 Relating to the Woman's Right to Know Act; to amend
22 Section 26-23A-4, Code of Alabama 1975, to require a physician
23 or qualified person to provide the materials prescribed under
24 Sections 26-23A-4 and 26-23A-5, Code of Alabama 1975, to a
25 woman at least 48 hours before the performance of an abortion.
26 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
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1 Section 1. Section 26-23A-4, Code of Alabama 1975,
2 is amended to read as follows:
3 "26-23A-4.
4 "Except in the case of a medical emergency, no
5 abortion shall be performed or induced without the voluntary
6 and informed consent of the woman upon whom the abortion is to
7 be performed or induced. Except in the case of a medical
8 emergency, consent to an abortion is voluntary and informed if
9 and only if:
10 "(a) At least 24 48 hours before the abortion, the
11 physician who is to perform the abortion, the referring
12 physician, or a qualified person has informed and provided the
13 woman in person, or by return receipt certified mail
14 restricted delivery, and if by mail, again in person prior to
15 the abortion, a copy of the printed materials in Section
16 26-23A-5 which list agencies that offer assistance, adoption
17 agencies, development of the unborn child, methods and risks
18 of abortion and childbirth, father's obligations, and
19 alternatives to abortion. Mailing of the materials in Section
20 26-23A-5 may be arranged by telephone.
21 "(b) Prior to an abortion, the physician who is to
22 perform the abortion, the referring physician, or a qualified
23 person has informed the woman in person:
24 "(1) The name of the physician who will perform the
25 abortion in writing or a business card.
26 "(2) The nature of the proposed abortion method and
27 associated risks and alternatives that a reasonable patient
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1 would consider material to the decision of whether or not to
2 undergo the abortion.
3 "(3) The probable gestational age of the unborn
4 child at the time the abortion is to be performed, and the
5 probable anatomical and physiological characteristics of the
6 unborn child at the time the abortion is to be performed. If
7 the unborn child is viable or has reached a gestational age of
8 more than 19 weeks, that:
9 "a. The unborn child may be able to survive outside
10 the womb.
11 "b. The woman has the right to request the physician
12 to use the method of abortion that is most likely to preserve
13 the life of the unborn child, provided such abortion is not
14 otherwise prohibited by law.
15 "c. If the unborn child is born alive, the attending
16 physician has the legal obligation to take all reasonable
17 steps necessary to maintain the life and health of the child.
18 "(4) The physician who is to perform the abortion or
19 the referring physician is required to perform an ultrasound
20 on the unborn child before the abortion. The woman has a right
21 to view the ultrasound before an abortion. The woman shall
22 complete a required form to acknowledge that she either saw
23 the ultrasound image of her unborn child or that she was
24 offered the opportunity and rejected it.
25 "(5) She has the right to view the videotape and
26 ultrasound of her unborn child as described in Section
27 26-23A-6.
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1 "(6) Any need for anti-Rh immune globulin therapy,
2 and if she is Rh negative, the likely consequences of refusing
3 such therapy and the cost of the therapy.
4 "(7) She cannot be forced or required by anyone to
5 have an abortion. She is free to withhold or withdraw her
6 consent for an abortion without affecting her right to future
7 care or treatment and without the loss of any state or
8 federally funded benefits to which she might otherwise be
9 entitled.
10 "(c) The woman shall complete and sign a form that
11 she has received the information of subsections (a) and (b),
12 and does provide her informed consent for an abortion on her
13 unborn child.
14 "(d) Prior to the performance of an abortion, the
15 physician who is to perform the abortion or his or her agent
16 shall receive the signed receipt of the certified mail dated
17 24 48 hours before the abortion, if mailed, and the signed
18 forms that she has received the information of subsections (a)
19 and (b) before the abortion, had the opportunity to view the
20 video and the ultrasound of her unborn child, and provided her
21 informed consent for an abortion. The abortion facility shall
22 retain the signed receipt, signed forms, and the ultrasound in
23 the woman's medical file for the time required by law, but not
24 less than four years."
25 Section 2. This act shall become effective 30 days
26 following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its
27 otherwise becoming law.
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1 HB493
2 158666-2
3 By Representative Wallace
4 RFD: Health
5 First Read: 13-FEB-14
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1 ENGROSSED
2
3
4 A BILL
5 TO BE ENTITLED
6 AN ACT
7
8 To provide for the Perinatal Hospice Information
9 Act; to require that a pregnant woman may not receive an
10 abortion based on a lethal fetal anomaly unless she is made
11 aware of the option of perinatal hospice services; to
12 prescribe civil sanctions and criminal penalties for
13 violations of the act; and in connection therewith would have
14 as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased
15 expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Amendment 621
16 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as
17 Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the
18 Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended.
19 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
20 Section 1. This act may be known as the "Perinatal
21 Hospice Information Act."
22 Section 2. (a) The Legislature hereby finds the
23 following:
24 (1) As prenatal diagnoses improve, increasingly more
25 lethal fetal anomalies are diagnosed earlier in pregnancy.
26 (2) Currently, parents are often given minimal
27 options, to terminate the pregnancy or simply to wait for the
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1 child to die. The majority of parents choose to terminate the
2 pregnancy. Only 20 percent of parents decide to continue the
3 pregnancy.
4 (3) Studies indicate that choosing to terminate the
5 pregnancy can pose severe, long-term psychological risks for
6 the woman, including the chance of posttraumatic stress,
7 depression, and anxiety. On the other hand, parents who choose
8 to continue the pregnancy in the supportive, compassionate
9 care of a perinatal hospice team report being emotionally and
10 spiritually prepared for the death of their child.
11 (4) Studies reveal that when given the option, at
12 least 80 to 87 percent of parents choose to continue the
13 pregnancy in the supportive environment of perinatal hospice
14 care.
15 (b) Based on the findings in subsection (a), it is
16 the purpose of this act to:
17 (1) Guarantee that women considering abortion after
18 the diagnosis of a lethal fetal anomaly are presented with
19 information on the option of perinatal hospice care.
20 (2) Ensure that any abortion-related choice made by
21 a woman whose unborn child has been diagnosed with a lethal
22 fetal anomaly has been fully informed.
23 Section 3. As used in this act, the following terms
24 shall have the following meanings:
25 (1) ABORTION. The use or prescription of any
26 instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or device
27 with the intent to terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to
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1 be pregnant with knowledge that the termination by those means
2 will with reasonable likelihood cause the death of the unborn
3 child. Such use or prescription is not an abortion if done
4 with the intent to save the life or preserve the health of an
5 unborn child, remove a dead unborn child, or to deliver the
6 unborn child prematurely in order to preserve the health of
7 both the pregnant woman and her unborn child. The term
8 abortion, as used in this act, does not include a procedure or
9 act to terminate the pregnancy of a woman with an ectopic
10 pregnancy. As used herein, the term ectopic pregnancy means
11 any pregnancy resulting from a fertilized egg that has
12 implanted or attached outside the uterus. The term ectopic
13 pregnancy also includes a pregnancy resulting from a
14 fertilized egg implanted inside the cornu of the uterus.
15 (2) DEPARTMENT. The Department of Public Health of
16 the State of Alabama.
17 (3) LETHAL FETAL ANOMALY. A fetal condition
18 diagnosed before birth that, with reasonable certainty, will
19 result in the death of the unborn child within three months
20 after birth.
21 (4) MEDICAL EMERGENCY. A condition which, on the
22 basis of a physician's good faith clinical judgment, so
23 complicates the medical condition of a pregnant woman as to
24 necessitate the immediate termination of her pregnancy to
25 avert her death or for which a delay will create serious risk
26 of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily
27 function.
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1 (5) PERINATAL HOSPICE. Comprehensive support
2 provided to a pregnant woman who has an unborn child that has
3 been diagnosed with a lethal fetal anomaly, as well as to such
4 woman's family, that includes support from the time of
5 diagnosis through the time of birth and death of the infant
6 and through the postpartum period. Supportive care may
7 include, but is not limited to, counseling and medical care by
8 maternal-fetal medical specialists, obstetricians,
9 neonatologists, anesthesia specialists, clergy, social
10 workers, and specialty nurses focused on alleviating fear and
11 ensuring that the woman and her family experience the life and
12 death of their child in a comfortable and supportive
13 environment.
14 (6) PHYSICIAN. Any person licensed to practice
15 medicine in this state. The term includes medical doctors and
16 doctors of osteopathy.
17 Section 4. (a) No abortion shall be performed or
18 induced, or attempted to be performed or induced, without the
19 voluntary and informed consent of the woman upon whom the
20 abortion is to be performed or induced. Except in the case of
21 a medical emergency, consent to an abortion is voluntary and
22 informed if, and only if, at least 48 hours before the
23 abortion:
24 (1) In the case of a woman seeking an abortion of
25 her unborn child diagnosed with a lethal fetal anomaly, the
26 physician who is to perform the abortion or the referring
27 physician has informed the woman, orally and in-person, that
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1 perinatal hospice services are available and has offered this
2 care as an alternative to abortion.
3 (2) In the case of a woman seeking an abortion of
4 her unborn child diagnosed with a lethal fetal anomaly, the
5 woman is provided, at no cost, a list of perinatal hospice
6 programs available both in this state and nationally, prepared
7 by the department and organized geographically by location,
8 and the woman is also informed that such materials are
9 available on the department's website.
10 (b) If perinatal hospice services are declined in
11 favor of abortion, the woman must certify in writing both her
12 decision to forgo such services and proceed with the abortion
13 and that she received the materials listed in subdivision (2)
14 of subsection (a).
15 Section 5. The department shall cause to be
16 published the printed materials described in Section 4 within
17 60 days after this act becomes law. The department shall also
18 publish the printed materials described in Section 4 on the
19 department's website within 60 days after this act becomes
20 law. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, a
21 comprehensive list of the perinatal hospice agencies
22 available, a description of the services such agencies offer,
23 and a description of the manner in which such agencies may be
24 contacted.
25 Section 6. The department may adopt rules and
26 procedures as necessary to implement the provisions and
27 directives of this act.
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1 Section 7. (a) Any person who intentionally,
2 knowingly, or recklessly violates or attempts to violate this
3 act shall be guilty on a first offense of a Class B
4 misdemeanor, on a second offense of a Class A misdemeanor, and
5 on a third or subsequent offense of a Class C felony. No
6 penalty under this act may be assessed against the female upon
7 whom the abortion is performed or attempted to be performed.
8 (b) In addition to whatever remedies are available
9 under the common or statutory law of this state, failure to
10 comply with the requirements of this chapter shall:
11 (1) Provide a basis for a civil action for
12 compensatory and punitive damages. Any conviction under this
13 act shall be admissible in a civil suit as prima facie
14 evidence of a failure to obtain an informed consent. The civil
15 action may be based on a claim that the act was a result of
16 simple negligence, gross negligence, wantonness, willfulness,
17 intention, or other legal standard of care.
18 (2) Provide a basis for professional disciplinary
19 action under any applicable statutory or regulatory procedure
20 for the suspension or revocation of any license for physicians
21 or other applicable regulated persons. A conviction of any
22 person for any failure to comply with the requirements of this
23 act which constitutes a second offense of the provisions of
24 this act shall result in the automatic suspension of his or
25 her license for a period of at least one year and shall be
26 reinstated after that time only on such conditions as the
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1 appropriate regulatory or licensing body shall require to
2 insure compliance with this act.
3 (3) If a civil judgment is rendered in favor of a
4 plaintiff in any action described in this act, the court shall
5 award reasonable attorney's fees in favor of the plaintiff. If
6 a civil judgment is rendered in favor of the defendant in any
7 action described in this act, the court shall, upon a
8 determination that the plaintiff's suit was frivolous and
9 brought in bad faith, award reasonable attorney's fees in
10 favor of the defendant.
11 Section 8. The provisions of this act are severable.
12 If any part of this act is declared invalid or
13 unconstitutional, that declaration shall not effect the part
14 which remains.
15 Section 9. Although this bill would have as its
16 purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased
17 expenditure of local funds, the bill is excluded from further
18 requirements and application under Amendment 621 because the
19 bill defines a new crime or amends the definition of an
20 existing crime.
21 Section 10. This act shall become effective on the
22 first day of the third month following its passage and signing
23 by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.
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1
2
House of Representatives3
Read for the first time and re-45 ferred to the House of Representa-
tives committee on Health .........6 . 13-FEB-14......
7
Read for the second time and placed8on the calendar....................9 . 25-FEB-14
......
10
Read for the third time and passed11as amended.........................12 . 04-MAR-14......
Yeas 73, Nays 24, Abstains 013
1415 Jeff Woodard16 Clerk17