(a) Abortions on patients with a gestation up to and including twelve weeks, as determined by the physician, may be performed on an ambulatory basis, if the patient's medical condition permits.
(b) The following patients shall be treated for an abortion on an inpatient basis at a hospital that has received a license as a maternity unit from the State Department of Health:
(1) Patients who are pregnant more than twelve weeks as determined by a physician;
(2) Patients having medical, surgical or gynecological or psychiatric conditions or complications as determined by a physician; and
(3) Patients having a sterilization procedure immediately following the abortion.
(c) Only qualified obstetricians and surgeons shall be permitted to perform abortions.
(d) Where general or local anesthesia is administered to abortion patients, it shall be administered pursuant to Ohio R.C. Chapter 4731. An anesthesiologist shall supervise the staff administering anesthesia and shall be present on the premises at the abortion service at all times during the operative and postoperative period.
(e) Pathologic examination of all tissue removed from the uterus shall be performed routinely.
(f) Facilities shall be maintained or proper procedures shall be provided for the incineration of human remains.
(g) Patients shall receive the following postoperative care:
(1) A patient whose pregnancy was terminated on an ambulatory basis shall be observed in the abortion service for a reasonable number of hours, not less than three, to ensure that no immediate postoperative complications are present, and thereafter such patient may be discharged if her course has been uneventful.
(2) A patient in whom any adverse condition exists or in whom a complication is known or suspected to have occurred during or after the performance of the abortion shall remain in the abortion service for further observation or be transported to the hospital.
(h) Written instructions shall be issued to all patients in accordance with the rules of the physician in charge of the abortion service and shall include the following:
(1) Symptoms of complications to be looked for;
(2) Activities to be avoided;
(3) A specific telephone number to be used by the patient if any complication occurs or question arises; and
(4) A date for a follow-up or return visit after the performance of the abortion, which shall be scheduled within two to six weeks as indicated by the condition of the patient.
(i) Whoever violates or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree. Punishment shall be as provided in Section 698.02.
(Ord. 1978-127. Passed 6-21-78.)