Minnesota Statutes
Chapter 144 — Department Of Health
Section 144.343 — Pregnancy, Venereal Disease, Alcohol Or Drug Abuse, Abortion.

Subdivision 1. Minor's consent valid. Any minor may give effective consent for medical, mental and other health services to determine the presence of or to treat pregnancy and conditions associated therewith, venereal disease, alcohol and other drug abuse, and the consent of no other person is required.
Subd. 2. Notification concerning abortion. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 13.02, subdivision 8, no abortion operation shall be performed upon an unemancipated minor or upon a woman for whom a guardian has been appointed pursuant to sections 524.5-101 to 524.5-502 because of a finding of incapacity, until at least 48 hours after written notice of the pending operation has been delivered in the manner specified in subdivisions 2 to 4.
(a) The notice shall be addressed to the parent at the usual place of abode of the parent and delivered personally to the parent by the physician or an agent.
(b) In lieu of the delivery required by paragraph (a), notice shall be made by certified mail addressed to the parent at the usual place of abode of the parent with return receipt requested and restricted delivery to the addressee which means postal employee can only deliver the mail to the authorized addressee. Time of delivery shall be deemed to occur at 12 o'clock noon on the next day on which regular mail delivery takes place, subsequent to mailing.
[See Note.]
Subd. 3. Parent, abortion; definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, "parent" means both parents of the pregnant woman if they are both living, one parent of the pregnant woman if only one is living or if the second one cannot be located through reasonably diligent effort, or the guardian or conservator if the pregnant woman has one.
(b) For purposes of this section, "abortion" means the use of any means to terminate the pregnancy of a woman known to be pregnant with knowledge that the termination with those means will, with reasonable likelihood, cause the death of the fetus and "fetus" means any individual human organism from fertilization until birth.
Subd. 4. Limitations. No notice shall be required under this section if:
(1) the attending physician certifies in the pregnant woman's medical record that the abortion is necessary to prevent the woman's death and there is insufficient time to provide the required notice; or
(2) the abortion is authorized in writing by the person or persons who are entitled to notice; or
(3) the pregnant minor woman declares that she is a victim of sexual abuse, neglect, or physical abuse as defined in chapter 260E. Notice of that declaration shall be made to the proper authorities as provided in section 260E.06.
Subd. 5. Penalty. Performance of an abortion in violation of this section shall be a misdemeanor and shall be grounds for a civil action by a person wrongfully denied notification. A person shall not be held liable under this section if the person establishes by written evidence that the person relied upon evidence sufficient to convince a careful and prudent person that the representations of the pregnant woman regarding information necessary to comply with this section are bona fide and true, or if the person has attempted with reasonable diligence to deliver notice, but has been unable to do so.
Subd. 6. Substitute notification provisions. If subdivision 2 of this law is ever temporarily or permanently restrained or enjoined by judicial order, subdivision 2 shall be enforced as though the following paragraph were incorporated as paragraph (c) of that subdivision; provided, however, that if such temporary or permanent restraining order or injunction is ever stayed or dissolved, or otherwise ceases to have effect, subdivision 2 shall have full force and effect, without being modified by the addition of the following substitute paragraph which shall have no force or effect until or unless an injunction or restraining order is again in effect.
(c)(1) If such a pregnant woman elects not to allow the notification of one or both of her parents or guardian or conservator, any judge of a court of competent jurisdiction shall, upon petition, or motion, and after an appropriate hearing, authorize a physician to perform the abortion if said judge determines that the pregnant woman is mature and capable of giving informed consent to the proposed abortion. If said judge determines that the pregnant woman is not mature, or if the pregnant woman does not claim to be mature, the judge shall determine whether the performance of an abortion upon her without notification of her parents, guardian, or conservator would be in her best interests and shall authorize a physician to perform the abortion without such notification if said judge concludes that the pregnant woman's best interests would be served thereby.
(2) Such a pregnant woman may participate in proceedings in the court on her own behalf, and the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for her. The court shall, however, advise her that she has a right to court appointed counsel, and shall, upon her request, provide her with such counsel.
(3) Proceedings in the court under this section shall be confidential and shall be given such precedence over other pending matters so that the court may reach a decision promptly and without delay so as to serve the best interests of the pregnant woman. A judge of the court who conducts proceedings under this section shall make in writing specific factual findings and legal conclusions supporting the decision and shall order a record of the evidence to be maintained including the judge's own findings and conclusions.
(4) An expedited confidential appeal shall be available to any such pregnant woman for whom the court denies an order authorizing an abortion without notification. An order authorizing an abortion without notification shall not be subject to appeal. No filing fees shall be required of any such pregnant woman at either the trial or the appellate level. Access to the trial court for the purposes of such a petition or motion, and access to the appellate courts for purposes of making an appeal from denial of the same, shall be afforded such a pregnant woman 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Subd. 7. Severability. If any provision, word, phrase or clause of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the provisions, words, phrases, clauses or application of this section which can be given effect without the invalid provision, word, phrase, clause, or application, and to this end the provisions, words, phrases, and clauses of this section are declared to be severable.
History: 1971 c 544 s 3; 1981 c 228 s 1; 1981 c 311 s 39; 1982 c 545 s 24; 1986 c 444; 2004 c 146 art 3 s 1; 1Sp2020 c 2 art 8 s 20
NOTE: The two-parent notification requirement in subdivision 2 was found constitutional by incorporation of paragraph (c) of subdivision 6. Hodgson v. Minnesota, 497 U.S. 417 (1990), but see also Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, 142 S.Ct. 2228 (2022).

Structure Minnesota Statutes

Minnesota Statutes

Chapters 144 - 159 — Health

Chapter 144 — Department Of Health

Section 144.011 — Department Of Health.

Section 144.05 — General Duties Of Commissioner; Reports.

Section 144.0505 — Cooperation With Commissioner Of Human Services.

Section 144.051 — Data Relating To Licensed And Registered Persons.

Section 144.052 — Use Of Data.

Section 144.0525 — Epidemiologic Studies; Health Hazards; Health Surveillance.

Section 144.053 — Research Studies Confidential.

Section 144.0535 — Entry For Inspection.

Section 144.054 — Subpoena Power.

Section 144.055 — Home Safety Programs.

Section 144.056 — Plain Language In Written Materials.

Section 144.057 — Background Studies On Licensees And Other Personnel.

Section 144.0572 — Criminal History Background Checks On Applicants, Licensees, And Other Occupations Regulated By Commissioner Of Health.

Section 144.058 — Interpreter Services Quality Initiative.

Section 144.059 — Palliative Care Advisory Council.

Section 144.06 — State Commissioner Of Health To Provide Instruction.

Section 144.061 — Early Dental Prevention Initiative.

Section 144.062 — Vaccine Cost Reduction Program.

Section 144.064 — The Vivian Act.

Section 144.065 — Prevention And Treatment Of Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Section 144.07 — Powers Of Commissioner.

Section 144.0721 — Assessments Of Care And Services To Nursing Home Residents.

Section 144.0724 — Resident Reimbursement Classification.

Section 144.074 — Funds Received From Other Sources.

Section 144.0742 — Contracts For Provision Of Public Health Services.

Section 144.0751 — Health Standards.

Section 144.077 — Mobile Health Care Providers.

Section 144.09 — Cooperation With Federal Authorities.

Section 144.092 — Coordinated Nutrition Data Collection.

Section 144.10 — Federal Aid For Maternal And Child Welfare Services.

Section 144.11 — Rules.

Section 144.111 — Rules, Notice Published.

Section 144.12 — Regulation, Enforcement, Licenses, Fees.

Section 144.1201 — Definitions.

Section 144.1202 — United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Agreement.

Section 144.1203 — Training; Rulemaking.

Section 144.1204 — Surety Requirements.

Section 144.1205 — Radioactive Material; Special Nuclear Material.

Section 144.121 — X-ray Machines; Other Sources Of Ionizing Radiation.

Section 144.1212 — Notice To Patient; Mammogram Results.

Section 144.1215 — Authorization To Use Handheld Dental X-ray Equipment.

Section 144.122 — License, Permit, And Survey Fees.

Section 144.1222 — Public Pools; Enclosed Sports Arenas.

Section 144.1225 — Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Services.

Section 144.123 — Fees For Diagnostic Laboratory Services; Exceptions.

Section 144.125 — Tests Of Infants For Heritable And Congenital Disorders.

Section 144.1251 — Newborn Screening For Critical Congenital Heart Disease (cchd).

Section 144.1255 — Heritable And Congenital Disorders.

Section 144.128 — Commissioner's Duties.

Section 144.14 — Quarantine Of Interstate Carriers.

Section 144.145 — Fluoridation Of Municipal Water Supplies.

Section 144.1461 — Dignity In Pregnancy And Childbirth.

Section 144.1464 — Summer Health Care Interns.

Section 144.1465 — Finding And Purpose.

Section 144.147 — Rural Hospital Planning And Transition Grant Program.

Section 144.1476 — Rural Pharmacy Planning And Transition Grant Program.

Section 144.148 — Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant Program.

Section 144.1481 — Rural Health Advisory Committee.

Section 144.1482 — Office Of Rural Health.

Section 144.1483 — Rural Health Initiatives.

Section 144.1485 — Database On Health Personnel.

Section 144.1492 — State Rural Health Network Reform Initiative.

Section 144.1493 — Nursing Grant Program.

Section 144.1501 — Health Professional Education Loan Forgiveness Program.

Section 144.1503 — Home And Community-based Services Employee Scholarship And Loan Forgiveness Program.

Section 144.1505 — Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion Grant Program.

Section 144.1506 — Primary Care Residency Expansion Grant Program.

Section 144.1911 — International Medical Graduates Assistance Program.

Section 144.1912 — Greater Minnesota Family Medicine Residency Grant Program.

Section 144.192 — Treatment Of Biological Specimens And Health Data Held By The Department Of Health And Health Boards.

Section 144.193 — Inventory Of Biological And Health Data.

Section 144.211 — Citation.

Section 144.212 — Definitions.

Section 144.213 — Office Of Vital Records.

Section 144.2131 — Security Of Vital Records System.

Section 144.215 — Birth Registration.

Section 144.2151 — Record Of Birth Resulting In Stillbirth.

Section 144.216 — Foundling Registration.

Section 144.217 — Delayed Records Of Birth.

Section 144.218 — Replacement Birth Records.

Section 144.2181 — Amendment And Correction Of Vital Records.

Section 144.221 — Death Registration.

Section 144.2215 — Minnesota Birth Defects Information System.

Section 144.2216 — Birth Defects Records And Reports Required.

Section 144.2217 — Classification Of Birth Defects Information.

Section 144.2218 — Transfers Of Information To Other Government Agencies.

Section 144.2219 — Transfers Of Information To Research Entities.

Section 144.222 — Reports Of Fetal Or Infant Death.

Section 144.223 — Report Of Marriage.

Section 144.225 — Disclosure Of Information From Vital Records.

Section 144.2252 — Access To Original Birth Record After Adoption.

Section 144.2255 — Certified Birth Record For Homeless Youth.

Section 144.226 — Fees.

Section 144.227 — Penalties.

Section 144.29 — Health Records; Children Of School Age.

Section 144.291 — Minnesota Health Records Act.

Section 144.292 — Patient Rights.

Section 144.293 — Release Or Disclosure Of Health Records.

Section 144.294 — Records Relating To Mental Health.

Section 144.295 — Disclosure Of Health Records For External Research.

Section 144.296 — Copies Of Videotapes.

Section 144.297 — Independent Medical Examination.

Section 144.298 — Penalties.

Section 144.30 — Copies Of Records Evidence In Juvenile Court.

Section 144.32 — False Statements Cause For Discharge.

Section 144.334 — Right To Request Patient Information.

Section 144.3345 — Interconnected Electronic Health Record Grants.

Section 144.3351 — Immunization Data.

Section 144.3352 — Hepatitis B Maternal Carrier Data; Infant Immunization.

Section 144.336 — Registry Of Persons Typed For Human Leukocyte Antigens.

Section 144.34 — Investigation And Control Of Occupational Diseases.

Section 144.341 — Living Apart From Parents And Managing Financial Affairs.

Section 144.342 — Marriage Or Giving Birth, Consent For Health Service For Self Or Child.

Section 144.343 — Pregnancy, Venereal Disease, Alcohol Or Drug Abuse, Abortion.

Section 144.344 — Emergency Treatment.

Section 144.3441 — Hepatitis B Vaccination.

Section 144.345 — Representations To Persons Rendering Service.

Section 144.346 — Information To Parents.

Section 144.347 — Financial Responsibility.

Section 144.35 — Pollution Of Water.

Section 144.36 — Appeal To District Court.

Section 144.37 — Other Remedies Preserved.

Section 144.381 — Citation.

Section 144.382 — Definitions.

Section 144.383 — Authority Of Commissioner.

Section 144.3831 — Fees.

Section 144.384 — Notice Of Violation.

Section 144.385 — Public Notice.

Section 144.3855 — Limitation.

Section 144.386 — Penalties.

Section 144.387 — Costs.

Section 144.3872 — Female Genital Mutilation; Education And Outreach.

Section 144.391 — Public Policy.

Section 144.392 — Duties Of Commissioner.

Section 144.393 — Public Communications Program.

Section 144.394 — Health Promotion And Education.

Section 144.396 — Tobacco Use Prevention.

Section 144.397 — Statewide Tobacco Cessation Services.

Section 144.411 — Citation.

Section 144.412 — Public Policy.

Section 144.413 — Definitions.

Section 144.414 — Prohibitions.

Section 144.416 — Responsibilities Of Proprietors.

Section 144.4165 — Tobacco Products Prohibited In Public Schools.

Section 144.4167 — Permitted Smoking.

Section 144.417 — Commissioner Of Health, Enforcement, Penalties.

Section 144.4171 — Scope.

Section 144.4172 — Definitions.

Section 144.4173 — Cause Of Action.

Section 144.4174 — Standing.

Section 144.4175 — Reporting.

Section 144.4176 — Petition; Notice.

Section 144.4177 — Time Of Hearing And Duties Of Counsel.

Section 144.4178 — Criminal Immunity.

Section 144.4179 — Standard Of Proof; Evidence.

Section 144.4180 — Remedies.

Section 144.4181 — Appeal.

Section 144.4182 — Temporary Emergency Hold.

Section 144.4183 — Emergency Hold Hearing.

Section 144.4184 — Contact Data.

Section 144.4185 — Costs.

Section 144.4186 — Data Privacy.

Section 144.419 — Isolation And Quarantine Of Persons.

Section 144.4195 — Due Process For Isolation Or Quarantine Of Persons.

Section 144.4196 — Employee Protection.

Section 144.4197 — Emergency Vaccine Administration; Legend Drug.

Section 144.4198 — Mass Dispensing Under Authority Of Commissioner Of Health.

Section 144.4199 — Public Health Response Contingency Account.

Section 144.441 — Tuberculosis Screening In Schools.

Section 144.442 — Testing In School Clinics.

Section 144.445 — Tuberculosis Screening In Correctional Institutions.

Section 144.4801 — Title.

Section 144.4802 — Authority.

Section 144.4803 — Definitions.

Section 144.4804 — Reporting Relating To Tuberculosis.

Section 144.4805 — Health Order; Rights Of Carrier And Respondent.

Section 144.4806 — Preventive Measures Under Health Order.

Section 144.4807 — Notice Of Obligation To Isolate Or Examine.

Section 144.4808 — Apprehend And Hold Order.

Section 144.4809 — Preliminary Hearing.

Section 144.4810 — Final Hearing.

Section 144.4811 — Periodic Review And Release From Detention.

Section 144.4812 — Costs Of Care.

Section 144.4813 — Data Privacy.

Section 144.49 — Violations; Penalties.

Section 144.492 — Definitions.

Section 144.493 — Criteria.

Section 144.494 — Designating Stroke Centers And Stroke Hospitals.

Section 144.4941 — St Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (stemi) Receiving Centers.

Section 144.495 — Formaldehyde Rules.

Section 144.496 — Minnesota Radon Awareness Act.

Section 144.4961 — Minnesota Radon Licensing Act.

Section 144.497 — St Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Section 144.50 — Hospitals, Licenses; Definitions.

Section 144.51 — License Applications.

Section 144.52 — Application.

Section 144.53 — Fees.

Section 144.54 — Inspections.

Section 144.55 — Licenses; Issuance, Suspension And Revocation.

Section 144.5509 — Radiation Therapy Facility Construction.

Section 144.551 — Hospital Construction Moratorium.

Section 144.552 — Public Interest Review.

Section 144.553 — Alternative Approval Process.

Section 144.554 — Health Facilities Construction Plan Submittal And Fees.

Section 144.555 — Facility Or Campus Closings, Relocating Services, Or Ceasing To Offer Certain Services; Patient Relocations.

Section 144.56 — Standards.

Section 144.561 — Description Of Certain Medical Facilities.

Section 144.562 — Swing Bed Approval; Issuance Of License Conditions.

Section 144.563 — Nursing Services Provided In A Hospital; Prohibited Practices.

Section 144.564 — Monitoring Of Subacute Or Transitional Care Services.

Section 144.565 — Diagnostic Imaging Facilities.

Section 144.566 — Violence Against Health Care Workers.

Section 144.572 — Institutions Excepted.

Section 144.573 — Pets In Certain Institutions.

Section 144.574 — Dangers Of Shaking Infants And Young Children.

Section 144.58 — Information, Confidential.

Section 144.581 — Hospital Authorities.

Section 144.585 — Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Control Programs.

Section 144.586 — Requirements For Certain Notices And Discharge Planning.

Section 144.591 — Disclosure Of Hospital Charges.

Section 144.602 — Definitions.

Section 144.603 — Statewide Trauma System Criteria.

Section 144.604 — Trauma Triage And Transportation.

Section 144.605 — Designating Trauma Hospitals.

Section 144.606 — Interhospital Transfers.

Section 144.6062 — Comprehensive Advanced Life Support.

Section 144.6071 — Trauma Registry.

Section 144.608 — Trauma Advisory Council.

Section 144.611 — Captioning Required.

Section 144.615 — Birth Centers.

Section 144.6501 — Nursing Home Admission Contracts.

Section 144.6502 — Electronic Monitoring In Certain Facilities.

Section 144.6503 — Facilities For Alzheimer's Disease Or Related Disorder.

Section 144.6505 — Subacute Care Waivers.

Section 144.651 — Health Care Bill Of Rights.

Section 144.6512 — Retaliation In Nursing Homes Prohibited.

Section 144.652 — Bill Of Rights Notice To Patient Or Resident; Violation.

Section 144.6521 — Disclosure Of Financial Interest.

Section 144.6522 — Designation Of A Caregiver.

Section 144.653 — Rules; Periodic Inspections; Enforcement.

Section 144.6535 — Variance Or Waiver.

Section 144.654 — Experts May Be Employed.

Section 144.655 — Program For Voluntary Medical Aid.

Section 144.656 — Employees To Be Compensated.

Section 144.657 — Volunteer Efforts Encouraged.

Section 144.658 — Epidemiologic Data Discovery.

Section 144.6581 — Determination Of Whether Data Identifies Individuals.

Section 144.6585 — Identification Of Health Care Providers.

Section 144.6586 — Notice Of Rights To Sexual Assault Victim.

Section 144.661 — Definitions.

Section 144.662 — Traumatic Brain Injury And Spinal Cord Injury Registry.

Section 144.663 — Duty To Report.

Section 144.664 — Duties Of Commissioner.

Section 144.665 — Traumatic Brain Injury And Spinal Cord Injury Data.

Section 144.671 — Cancer Surveillance System; Purpose.

Section 144.672 — Duties Of Commissioner; Rules.

Section 144.68 — Records And Reports Required.

Section 144.69 — Classification Of Data On Individuals.

Section 144.691 — Grievance Procedures.

Section 144.695 — Citation.

Section 144.696 — Definitions.

Section 144.697 — General Powers And Duties Of State Commissioner Of Health.

Section 144.698 — Reporting Requirements.

Section 144.699 — Continuing Analysis.

Section 144.70 — Biennial Report.

Section 144.701 — Rate Disclosure.

Section 144.702 — Hospital And Outpatient Surgical Center Costs.

Section 144.7022 — Reporting Organizations; Penalty Orders.

Section 144.703 — Additional Powers.

Section 144.7055 — Staffing Plan Reports.

Section 144.706 — Citation.

Section 144.7063 — Definitions.

Section 144.7065 — Facility Requirements To Report, Analyze, And Correct.

Section 144.7067 — Commissioner Duties And Responsibilities.

Section 144.7068 — Reports From Licensing Boards.

Section 144.7069 — Interstate Coordination; Reports.

Section 144.71 — Purpose; Definitions.

Section 144.72 — Operation.

Section 144.73 — State Commissioner Of Health, Duties.

Section 144.74 — Rules, Standards.

Section 144.7401 — Definitions.

Section 144.7402 — Conditions For Applicability Of Procedures.

Section 144.7403 — Information Required To Be Given To Individuals.

Section 144.7404 — Disclosure Of Positive Blood-borne Pathogen Test Results.

Section 144.7405 — Consent Procedures Generally.

Section 144.7406 — Testing Of Available Blood.

Section 144.7407 — Blood Sample Collection For Testing.

Section 144.7408 — No Discrimination.

Section 144.7409 — Use Of Test Results.

Section 144.7411 — Test Information Confidentiality.

Section 144.7412 — Penalty For Unauthorized Release Of Information.

Section 144.7413 — Responsibility For Testing And Treatment; Costs.

Section 144.7414 — Protocols For Exposure To Blood-borne Pathogens.

Section 144.7415 — Penalties And Immunity.

Section 144.84 — Civil Service Classification.

Section 144.91 — Powers And Duties.

Section 144.92 — Grants Or Gifts.

Section 144.945 — Zika Preparedness And Response.

Section 144.95 — Mosquito Research Program.

Section 144.9501 — Definitions.

Section 144.9502 — Statewide Lead Surveillance System.

Section 144.9503 — Primary Prevention.

Section 144.9504 — Secondary Prevention.

Section 144.9505 — Credentialing Of Lead Firms And Professionals.

Section 144.9507 — Lead-related Funding.

Section 144.9508 — Rules.

Section 144.9509 — Enforcement.

Section 144.9512 — Lead Abatement Program.

Section 144.9513 — Healthy Housing Grants.

Section 144.966 — Early Hearing Detection And Intervention Program.

Section 144.97 — Definitions.

Section 144.98 — Accreditation Of Environmental Laboratories.

Section 144.989 — Title; Citation.

Section 144.99 — Enforcement.

Section 144.991 — Administrative Penalty Order Procedure.

Section 144.992 — False Information.

Section 144.993 — Recovery Of Litigation Costs And Expenses.

Section 144.995 — Definitions; Environmental Health Tracking And Biomonitoring.

Section 144.996 — Environmental Health Tracking; Biomonitoring.

Section 144.997 — Biomonitoring Pilot Program.

Section 144.998 — Environmental Health Tracking And Biomonitoring Advisory Panel.

Section 144.999 — Epinephrine Auto-injector.