Alabama House Bill HB611

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/24/25
• Refer: 4/24/25

Caption

Abortion producing drug; prohibitions provided relating to access to abortion producing drugs via the internet or other information technology systems, Attorney General authorized to enforce, civil cause of action created, criminal penalties provided

Impact

The legislative implications of HB611 are significant, particularly with respect to the enforcement of the state's existing abortion laws and the penalization of those who facilitate the delivery of abortion-producing drugs. This bill would categorize violations into classes of felonies, imposing harsh criminal penalties for service providers who do not comply. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce these prohibitions actively, including maintaining a list of prohibited domain names and initiating civil actions with penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Additionally, half of the fines collected would fund grants to qualified Alabama Pregnancy Resource Centers, aligning with the bill's enforcement objectives.

Summary

House Bill 611 introduces a series of prohibitions targeting the access and delivery of abortion-producing drugs via the internet and other information technology systems. The bill specifically prohibits internet service providers, cell phone service providers, and content delivery networks from accepting or forwarding any HTTP requests for applications permitting the procurement of such drugs. Furthermore, the bill extends to include various technology providers, directing them to block access to certain domain names and IP addresses associated with abortion delivery. This stringent measure marks an aggressive step in regulating access to abortion services through digital means.

Contention

The bill has already sparked a robust debate regarding its implications on digital rights and healthcare access. Proponents assert that these regulations are necessary to uphold the state's stance on abortion, especially following recent judicial decisions that have clarified state rights to regulate such services. However, opponents argue that HB611 risks infringing on internet freedoms and may pose significant barriers to necessary health services, alleging that this may disproportionately impact women seeking reproductive healthcare. There are concerns regarding the potential for misuse of the bill’s regulations to stifle legitimate information sharing and medical advice across platforms.

Legal framework

This legislation not only seeks to criminalize actions related to abortion drugs but also outlines specific protections and immunities for service providers acting in compliance with the restrictions. HB611 aims to create a clear liability landscape while incentivizing compliance through the provision of damages for wrongful deaths associated with illegal abortion services. The intertwining of technology and healthcare through such legislation reflects the evolving nature of legislative needs in response to societal issues surrounding reproductive rights.