NOTE: This section is conditionally repealed upon certification by the Attorney General that either of the conditions set forth in Laws 2021, c. 308, § 18 have been met. (See end of section for those conditions.)
In every civil or criminal proceeding or action brought under the Unborn Child Pain Awareness/Prevention Act, the court shall rule whether the anonymity of any female upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted shall be preserved from public disclosure if the female does not give her consent to such disclosure. The court, upon motion or sua sponte, shall make such a ruling and, upon determining that the anonymity of the female should be preserved, shall issue orders to the parties, witnesses, and counsel and shall direct the sealing of the record and exclusion of individuals from courtrooms or hearing rooms to the extent necessary to safeguard the identity of the female from public disclosure. Each such order shall be accompanied by specific written findings explaining why the anonymity of the female should be preserved from public disclosure, why the order is essential to that end, how the order is narrowly tailored to serve that interest, and why no reasonable less restrictive alternative exists. In the absence of written consent of the female upon whom an abortion has been performed or attempted, anyone, other than a public official, who brings an action under subsection A of Section 15 of this act shall do so under a pseudonym. This section may not be construed to conceal the identity of the plaintiff or of witnesses from the defendant.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 185, § 16, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.
NOTE: Section 18 of Laws 2021, c. 308 provides: