Ala. Code § 26-21-2

Current through the 2024 Regular Session.

Section 26-21-2 - Definitions

For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) MINOR. Any person under the age of 18 years;

(2) EMANCIPATED MINOR. Any minor who is or has been married or has by court order otherwise been legally freed from the care, custody, and control of her parents;

(3) ABORTION. The use or prescription of any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or device with the intent to terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to be pregnant with knowledge that the termination by those means will with reasonable likelihood cause the death of the unborn child. Such use or prescription is not an abortion if done with the intent to save the life or preserve the health of an unborn child, remove a dead unborn child, or to deliver the unborn child prematurely in order to preserve the health of both the mother (pregnant woman) and her unborn child. The term "abortion" as used herein does not include a procedure or act to terminate the pregnancy of a woman with an ectopic pregnancy, nor does it include the procedure or act to terminate the pregnancy of a woman where the unborn child has a lethal anomaly. For the purposes of Sections 26-21-1, 26-21-2, 26-21-3, 26-21-4, 26-21-6, 26-21-6.1, and 26-21-7, a "lethal anomaly" means the child would die at birth, or be stillborn. For purposes of Sections 26-21-1, 26-21-2, 26-21-3, 26-21-4, 26-21-6, 26-21-6.1, and 26-21-7, the term "ectopic pregnancy" means any pregnancy resulting from a fertilized egg that was implanted or attached outside the uterus. The term "ectopic pregnancy" also includes a pregnancy resulting from a fertilized egg implanted inside the cornu of the uterus.

(4) MEDICAL EMERGENCY. A condition that, absent an abortion performed before the requirements of Sections 26-21-1, 26-21-2, 26-21-3, 26-21-4, 26-21-6, 26-21-6.1, and 26-21-7 are met, and based on the applicable standard of care, is likely to result in the death of the pregnant woman or is likely to result in substantial irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.

Ala. Code § 26-21-2 (1975)

Amended by Act 2014-445,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2014.

Acts 1987, No. 87-286, p. 397, §2.