§ 231.02 Abortion Performed During First Trimester of Pregnancy
In all cases where termination of a pregnancy is performed by an abortion service during the first trimester of the woman’s pregnancy, the following standards, facilities and procedures must be met, provided and adhered to:
(a) Abortions may only be performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine by the State of Ohio;
(b) Written verification by the attending physician of the diagnosis and duration of pregnancy, indicating the methods used to determine diagnosis and duration of pregnancy;
(c) Availability of pre-operative instructions and counseling by a certified counselor or attending physician;
(d) Recorded pre-operative history and physical examination, particularly directed to identification of pre-existing illnesses or drug sensitivities that may have a bearing on the operative procedures or the anesthesia. Permanent post-operative records shall also be maintained by the physician;
(e) Laboratory procedures including blood type and RH factor and those procedures usually required as a prerequisite for the performance of surgery;
(f) Availability of procedures for prevention of RH sensitization if indicated by blood test;
(g) A receiving facility where the patient may be prepared and receive necessary pre-operative medication and observation prior to the procedure;
(h) Availability on the premises of adequate oxygen, parenteral fluids, anesthesia and resuscitation equipment. There shall also be a written procedure approved by the Director of Public Health and Welfare to deal with emergency situations including transportation to a hospital;
(i) A recovery facility in which the patient can be observed until she has sufficiently recovered from the procedure and anesthesia and can be safely discharged by the physician;
(j) Post-operative instructions and available post-operative counseling;
(k) Examinations by a pathologist of all pathological specimens, and the disposal of human remains in a legal, humanitarian and dignified manner;
(l) The physician performing the abortion must report to the Director or his or her designate, on an abortion report form available from the Director. These forms shall be used for statistical purposes by the Department of Public Health and Welfare and shall not be matters of public record. The name of any specific patient will not be required in the report;
(m) The usual informed consent including the operative permit signed by the pregnant woman indicating her understanding of the availability of pre- operative and post-operative counseling either through the attending physician or, without cost, through the Department.
(Ord. No. 1861-A-73. Passed 12-10-73, eff. 12-10-73)
