Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB581

Introduced
4/5/23  
Refer
4/5/23  

Caption

To Require Licensure Of A Clinic And Health Center In Which A Pregnancy Of A Women Known To Be Pregnant Is Willfully Terminated Or Aborted.

Impact

This bill represents a significant shift in how abortion services are regulated in Arkansas. By requiring licensure for clinics and health centers performing abortions, the legislation aims to increase oversight and regulation of such facilities, potentially impacting access to abortion services. This could lead to a decrease in the number of clinics able or willing to provide these services due to the added regulatory burden. Additionally, it sets a precedent for more stringent regulations surrounding reproductive health services, which may resonate beyond just licensure in future legislation.

Summary

Senate Bill 581 mandates the licensure of clinics and health centers that willfully terminate or abort pregnancies. The bill defines the scope of 'abortion' and outlines that no facility, including hospitals, may perform abortions, except in a medical emergency to save the life of the pregnant woman. Under this legislation, it becomes a requirement for any clinic or center conducting such procedures to obtain a license from the Department of Health, thereby imposing stricter controls on abortion services within the state of Arkansas.

Contention

Notable points of contention surround the implications of this bill on access to abortion services. Proponents argue that such regulations enhance patient safety by ensuring that only licensed facilities can perform abortions. However, opponents of the bill argue that this could serve as a form of limitation on access, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals who may rely on these services. As with similar legislative efforts, debates around this bill are sure to invoke discussions about women's rights, healthcare access, and the role of government in personal medical decisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB64

An Act For The Department Of Finance And Administration - Disbursing Officer Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1015

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR SR16

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Amend The Requirements For A Digital Asset Mining Business Or Business Using A Blockchain Network.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1005

An Act For The Uams - Reynolds Center On Aging, Boozman College Of Public Health, Ark. Biosciences Institute, & The Area Health Ed. Center In Helena Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR SB51

An Act For The University Of Arkansas For Medical Sciences Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.