Hutchinson Signed Bill Into Law Banning Telemedicine Abortion. According to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, “Gov. Asa Hutchinson has signed into law legislation that requires a physician to be in the room during a chemical abortion. The Senate was notified Wednesday that the Republican governor signed Senate Bill 59. Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, was the Senate sponsor. Rep. Julie Mayberry, R-Hensley, was the bill's House sponsor. The new law will be known as Act 139. It will become effective 90 days after the Legislature adjourns. Act 139 bars telemedicine abortions.” [Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 2/26/15]
The Law Also Required Doctors To Use “All Reasonable Efforts” To Encourage Patients To Make A Return Visit In 12 To 18 Days. According to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, “Act 139 also requires doctors to make ‘all reasonable efforts’ to ensure the patient returns between 12 and 18 days after the procedure for a follow-up examination so that doctors can confirm that the pregnancy has been terminated and can assess the patient's medical condition.” [Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 2/26/15]
The Law Also Required A Doctor To Be Present When A Patient Is Undergoing A Medication Abortion. According to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, “Gov. Asa Hutchinson has signed into law legislation that requires a physician to be in the room during a chemical abortion.” [Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 2/26/15]
Hutchinson Signed A Law Requiring Doctors To Tell Medication Abortion Patients That The Procedure Can Be “Reversed” Midway Through. According to the Washington Post, “New laws in Arkansas and Arizona require doctors to inform women that drug-induced abortions can be ‘reversed’ mid-procedure, a claim that quickly drew charges of ‘junk science’ from abortion-rights groups and many doctors. The Arkansas law took effect late Monday, after Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed it. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) signed his state’s bill into law earlier this month.” [Washington Post, 4/7/15]
ACOG: “Claims Of Medication Abortion Reversal Are Not Supported By The Body Of Scientific Evidence.” According to the Washington Post, “But the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) was among those arguing against the measures, saying claims of ‘reversal’ are unsupported by medical evidence. ‘Claims of medication abortion reversal are not supported by the body of scientific evidence, and this approach is not recommended in ACOG’s clinical guidance on medication abortion,’ says an ACOG fact sheet on the Arizona law.” [Washington Post, 4/7/15]