By criminalizing the provision of essential reproductive health care, politicians and prosecutors deny the humanity of people who become pregnant, seeking to control their bodies and determine their futures. The information in this page pertains to interactions between criminal law enforcement and health care providers. It might not apply to administrative inspections conducted by state licensing officials or other members of the state’s medical regulatory authorities. Depending on your state’s laws, you may be required to allow officials from these state agencies access to your place of employment or provide them with information.
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contact the ACLU\u2019s Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative<\/a> to help you obtain criminal defense representation to navigate these encounters.<\/li>\n<li>If you are approached by other government officials and have questions concerning licensing or regulatory compliance related to abortion care and patients or your rights, <a href=https://www.aclu.org/"https:////abortiondefensenetwork.org//get-in-touch///">contact the Abortion Defense Network<\/a> to speak with a civil attorney.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"title":"What should I tell law enforcement if I do not want to answer their questions? ","slug":"what-should-i-tell-law-enforcement-if-i-do-not-want-to-answer-their-questions","content":"<ul>\n<li>You can respond: \u201cI want to speak to my attorney before answering any questions\u201d or \u201cI will not be answering any questions without speaking to my attorney.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Ask for the name, agency, and telephone number of any law enforcement officer who stops or visits you, and give that information to your lawyer.<\/li>\n<li>Refrain from speaking to or communicating with (including texting, emailing, or messaging on social media) anyone else about the matter, as statements you make to anyone who is not your attorney could be used against you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"title":"Do I have to allow law enforcement entry into my medical workplace? ","slug":"do-i-have-to-allow-law-enforcement-entry-into-my-medical-workplace","content":"<ul>\n<li>Law enforcement can enter any part of the premises that is open to the public. In a doctor\u2019s office or clinic, this area would typically be the waiting room. Unless law enforcement has a search warrant, or an exception to the warrant requirement applies (for example, if you or a member of your staff give consent), they cannot lawfully enter any place that is not public.<\/li>\n<li>If law enforcement asks for your consent to enter other areas of your workplace, you have the right to say no. Though law enforcement might enter anyway, even if you refuse to provide consent, objecting before or during any entry or search can help to preserve your rights in later legal proceedings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"title":"What if law enforcement asks me to provide or show them documents, video, or electronic records?","slug":"what-if-law-enforcement-asks-me-to-provide-or-show-them-documents-video-or-electronic-records","content":"<ul>\n<li>You do not have to provide or show law enforcement anything they ask for without a court order. And keep in mind, turning over patient records without a court order may also be a violation of HIPAA and\/or state privacy laws.<\/li>\n<li>If law enforcement has a search warrant, they can enter the premises without your permission and look for the items identified in the warrant. Even if you believe the search may be unlawful, do not interfere. Ask for a copy of the warrant and contact your attorney.<\/li>\n<li>You do not, however, have to assist with the search. For example, you do not have to tell or show the officers where anything is located or open any locked areas or cabinets. You still have a right not to say anything that could be used against you in a criminal case \u2014 even if there is a valid search warrant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"title":"What if I receive a subpoena to produce documents or testify about reproductive health services?","slug":"what-if-i-receive-a-subpoena-to-produce-documents-or-testify-about-reproductive-health-services","content":"<ul>\n<li>If you receive a subpoena, you should contact your lawyer right away. Although the subpoena may direct you to either turn over documents or appear in court or before a grand jury to testify, your attorney may be able to quash the subpoena or limit its scope.<\/li>\n<li>Even if you are ultimately required to produce documents or testify, you may be able to assert your right against self-incrimination or assert that certain documents or answers to questions are protected as privileged. Your attorney can assert your rights, work on your behalf to protect your interests, and assure that you appropriately protect patient information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p> <\/p>\n<p>If you need more information, contact the <a href=https://www.aclu.org/"https:////action.aclu.org//legal-intake//abortion-criminal-defense-initiative/">ACLU/u2019s Abortion Criminal Defense Initiative<\/a>.<\/p>\n"}]" >
