Researcher: ND Page 1 4/14/25
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 7213
AN ACT CONCERNING ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
CARE.
SUMMARY
This bill repeals Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations on
abortions and abortion clinics, and the statutory authorization for the
abortion clinic regulations (see BACKGROUND). It correspondingly
requires the secretary of the state, by October 1, 2025, to update the e-
Regulations system to remove these regulations.
The bill also allows minors (under age 18) to give consent for services,
examination, or treatment related to pregnancy and pregnancy
prevention without the consent or notification of their parents or
guardian. These services specifically include contraceptive counseling
and services, prenatal care, and appropriate care and pain management
during labor and delivery (e.g., epidural administration), but not
sterilization.
The bill prohibits physicians and other health care providers from
sharing any information about these services or a related consultation
(including sending a bill) with the minor’s parent or guardian without
the minor’s express consent.
Additionally, under the bill:
1. these provisions do not affect a provider’s obligation to make a
report to DPH or the Department of Children and Families
(DCF), or any other report or disclosure, that may be required
under state law and
2. a parent or guardian who was not informed of these services is
not liable to pay for them. 2025HB-07213-R000688-BA.DOCX
Researcher: ND Page 2 4/14/25
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage, except the provisions (1)
requiring the secretary of the state to update the e-Regulations system
and (2) repealing the regulations on abortions and abortion clinics take
effect July 1, 2025.
BACKGROUND
Connecticut Abortion Laws
Existing law allows pre-viability abortion and provides that the
decision to terminate a pregnancy before the fetus is viable (i.e. can live
outside the mother’s womb) is solely that of the pregnant patient, in
consultation with their physician, advanced practice registered nurse
(APRN), nurse-midwife, or physician assistant (PA). Abortion after fetal
viability is only allowed to preserve the pregnant patient’s life or health
(CGS § 19a-602).
Additionally, the state does not require parental consent or notice for
minors to obtain an abortion but requires those under age 16 to receive
counseling and information before doing so (CGS § 19a-601).
Under state law, physicians may perform any type of abortion.
APRNs, nurse-midwives, and PAs may perform medication or
aspiration abortions, in accordance with their respective licensing
statutes (CGS § 19a-602).
DPH Abortion Clinic Regulations
Current law required DPH to adopt regulations setting standards for
outpatient clinics that offer abortions. These regulations address various
topics, such as (1) verifying pregnancy and determining its duration; (2)
preoperative instruction and counseling; (3) operative permission and
informed consent; (4) postoperative counseling, including family
planning; and (5) minimum staff qualifications (CGS § 19a-116 and
Conn. Agencies Regs., § 19a-116-1).
DPH Abortion Regulations
DPH’s current abortion regulation sets various requirements for
abortion care. Among other things, it (1) requires physicians to report
induced abortions they perform within seven days to DPH, who may 2025HB-07213-R000688-BA.DOCX
Researcher: ND Page 3 4/14/25
generally use the reports (which do not identify the patient’s name) only
for statistical purposes; (2) requires that induced abortions after the
second trimester be verified and only done in a licensed hospital; (3)
specifies that no person is required to participate in an abortion if it
violates their judgement, philosophical, moral, or religious beliefs; and
(4) prohibits third-trimester abortions, unless necessary to preserve the
pregnant person’s life and health (Conn. Agencies. Regs., § 19-13-D54).
Medical Treatment Without Parental Consent
Existing law does not require parental consent to treat a minor under
the following conditions:
1. treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (if the minor is age 12
or younger, the treating facility must report his or her name to
DCF for investigating child abuse) (CGS § 19a-216);
2. alcohol and drug treatment (CGS § 17a-688);
3. HIV testing (CGS § 19a-582);
4. HIV or AIDS prophylaxis or treatment if the provider determines
that (a) notifying the parents will result in denial of prophylaxis
or treatment or (b) the minor will not start or continue
prophylaxis or treatment if the parents are notified and the minor
requests they not be notified (if the minor is age 12 or younger,
the treating provider must report his or her name to DCF for
investigating child abuse) (CGS § 19a-592);
5. abortion and abortion counseling (minors under 16 generally
must receive counseling before an abortion) (CGS § 19a-601); and
6. outpatient mental health treatment (not including prescribing
legend drugs) under certain circumstances (CGS § 19a-14c).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Health Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 19 Nay 11 (03/27/2025)