AR
Arkansas House Bill HB1781

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1781

Introduced
3/13/25  
Refer
3/13/25  

Caption

To Authorize The Licensure Of Clinics, Health Centers, Or Other Facilities In Which A Pregnancy Is Terminated Or Aborted If Certain Circumstances Are Met.

Impact

The bill's implementation would necessitate significant changes in how abortion clinics and health centers operate within Arkansas. By requiring these facilities to obtain proper licensure, the bill imposes stricter oversight and accountability for abortion providers. Critics argue that this could lead to a reduction in access to abortion services in the state, particularly affecting rural areas where such health facilities may be limited. Advocates for the bill, on the other hand, assert that enhancing regulation improves patient safety and ensures higher health standards within the facilities.

Summary

House Bill 1781 aims to establish a regulatory framework for the licensure of clinics, health centers, or other facilities performing abortions or pregnancy terminations under specific conditions. This bill introduces additional requirements for such facilities to be licensed as ambulatory surgery centers, emphasizing that any abortion procedure performed must adhere to strict medical and safety standards. The legislation is designed to ensure that facilities where pregnancies are terminated provide a safe environment for women seeking these services.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes a contingent effective date dependent on certain legal conditions regarding existing abortion laws in Arkansas. Specifically, it stipulates that the licensure provisions will become effective only if the current state restrictions on abortions are modified or if an Attorney General certification allows the performance of abortions under circumstances other than to save the life of a pregnant woman. This condition raises concerns among opponents of the bill, who fear it may ultimately lead to more restrictive measures against abortion access.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB581

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.

AR SB138

To Repeal The Licensing Requirement Of Clinics And Health Centers In Which A Pregnancy Of A Woman Known To Be Pregnant Is Willfully Terminated Or Aborted; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1670

To Amend The Arkansas Human Life Protection Act And The Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act To Add An Exception For A Pregnancy That Is The Result Of Incest.

AR HB1686

To Create The Arkansas Chemical Abortions Ban Act.

AR HB1174

To Add Protections For Unborn Children By Allowing Prosecution When A Person Causes The Death Of An Unborn Child; To Repeal Laws That May Allow A Person To Pressure A Pregnant Woman To Get An Abortion; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HB1786

To Clarify The Performance Of An Abortion To Save The Life Of A Pregnant Woman In A Medical Emergency.

AR HB1684

To Amend The Definition Of "medical Emergency" Within The Arkansas Human Life Protection Act And The Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act; And To Add An Exception To Save The Health Of The Mother.

AR HR1010

To Recognize The Importance Of Pregnancy Help Organizations In Arkansas.

AR HB1301

To Amend The Arkansas Human Life Protection Act And The Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act To Exclude An Abortion In The Case Of A Fetal Abnormality Incompatible With Life.

AR SB465

To Create The Continuum Of Care Program Within The Department Of Human Services; And To Amend The Life Choices Lifeline Program To Clarify Language And Ensure Proper Administration Of The Program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.