Women in Arizona who are seeking abortions now have to answer more questions from doctors about why they’re getting the procedure. That’s according to a new state law, which went into effect this week.
The law requires doctors to ask their patients the specific reason for the abortion, as well as if it’s elective or because of circumstances like sexual assault or domestic violence. Women can still refuse to answer the questions.
The conservative advocacy group the Center for Arizona Policy backed the legislation, which passed in the 2018 session against the wishes of providers like Planned Parenthood. Up till now, doctors in Arizona had to ask women the reason for the procedure, but supporters of the new law said that failed to provide enough specific information.
Those who opposed the bill said it was just one more way to limit access to abortion and shame women for undergoing the procedure.