§ 20-16-908 - Woman's anonymity. - Arkansas Statutes

20-16-908. Woman's anonymity.

(a) In every proceeding or action brought under this subchapter, the court or board shall rule, upon motion or sua sponte, whether the identity of any woman upon whom a termination of pregnancy has been performed or attempted shall be preserved from public disclosure if she does not give her consent to disclosure.

(b) If the court or board rules that the woman's anonymity should be preserved, the court or board shall order the parties, witnesses, and counsel to preserve her anonymity and shall direct the sealing of the record and the exclusion of individuals from courtrooms or hearing rooms to the extent necessary to safeguard her identity from public disclosure.

(c) Each order to preserve the woman's anonymity shall be accompanied by specific written findings explaining:

(1) Why the anonymity of the woman should be preserved from public disclosure;

(2) Why the order is essential to that end;

(3) How the order is narrowly tailored to serve that interest; and

(4) Why no reasonable less restrictive alternative exists.

(d) This section shall not be construed to conceal the identity of the plaintiff or of witnesses from the defendant.