An abortion may be performed in this state only under the following circumstances:
(a)
the abortion is necessary to avert:
(i)
the death of the woman on whom the abortion is performed; or
(ii)
a serious physical risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function of the woman on whom the abortion is performed;
(b)
subject to Subsection (3), two physicians who practice maternal fetal medicine concur, in writing, in the patient's medical record that the fetus has a fetal abnormality that in the physicians' reasonable medical judgment is incompatible with life; or
(c)
the unborn child has not reached 18 weeks gestational age and:
before the abortion is performed, the physician who performs the abortion:
(A)
for an abortion authorized under Subsection (1)(c)(i)(A), verifies that the incident described in Subsection (1)(c)(i)(A) has been reported to law enforcement; and
(B)
if applicable, complies with requirements related to reporting suspicions of or known child abuse.
(2)
An abortion may be performed only:
(a)
by a physician; and
(b)
in an abortion clinic or a hospital, unless it is necessary to perform the abortion in another location due to a medical emergency.
(3)
If the unborn child has been diagnosed with a fetal abnormality that is incompatible with life, at the time of the diagnosis, the physician shall inform the woman, both verbally and in writing, that perinatal hospice services and perinatal palliative care are available and are an alternative to abortion.
(4)
A person who performs an abortion in violation of this section is guilty of a second degree felony.
(5)
In addition to the penalty described in Subsection (4), the department may take appropriate corrective action against a health care facility, including revoking the health care facility's license, if a violation of this chapter occurs at the health care facility.
(6)
The department shall report a physician's violation of any provision of this section to the state entity that regulates the licensing of a physician.
(7)
A physician who performs an abortion under Subsection (1)(c) shall:
(a)
maintain an accurate record as to the manner in which the physician conducted the verification under Subsection (1)(c)(ii)(A); and
(b)
report the information described in Subsection (7)(a) to the department in accordance with Section 76-7-313.
Section 7a-201 ("Abortion prohibition -- Exceptions -- Penalties.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 7a-201?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 7a-201" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 7a-201 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
