Profession
Texas doctors have new rules for minors seeking an abortion
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Oct. 9, 2006
The Texas Medical Board recently adopted new rules that require physicians to get written and notarized parental consent before they can perform an abortion on a minor.
A state law passed in 2005 required physicians to obtain written parental consent, but the board did not finalize a consent form until August 2006. The board weighed public input on the matter at its board meetings while the form was developed.
The consent form lists the risks and hazards of having an abortion. At press time, the rules were set to take effect Sept. 28. A physician could face discipline if the medical board receives a complaint and the board finds the physician in violation of the rules.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/10/09/prbf1009.htm.
