Hawaii Revised Statutes Title 25 Professions and Occupations, Chapter 453 Medicine and Surgery, on reproductive and sexual health

Chapter 453 of Hawaii Revised Statutes establishes key protections for reproductive and sexual healthcare in the state of Hawaii. Section 453-16 safeguards a pregnant person’s right to choose to obtain an abortion or terminate a pregnancy when necessary to protect their life or health. This section authorizes licensed physicians, surgeons, and physician assistants to provide abortion care and prohibits state interference with an individual’s decision to seek these services. At the same time, this section respects the right of hospitals or medical professionals to decline participation without facing legal consequences. Section 453-18 ensures patient dignity by prohibiting pelvic examinations on anesthetized or unconscious female patients unless prior informed consent is given, the exam is medically necessary for a scheduled procedure, or it is required for diagnostic purposes. Section 453-52 promotes public health through expedited partner therapy, allowing health professionals to provide antibiotic treatment to the sexual partners of patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases when those partners may be unlikely to seek care.

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  • 2022

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