DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Ivey HB No. 727
Abstract: Requires provision of psychological health information prior to abortion.
Proposed law requires that prior to undergoing an elective abortion, and as a condition for
consent to the abortion to be deemed voluntary and informed, a physician shall obtain a signed
statement on a form to be prepared by and obtained from the Department of Health and Hospitals
(DHH) and kept within the woman's medical record for a period of at least seven years, stating
that the woman has been given information on resources that she can review to learn the
increased risks of psychiatric and psychological harms associated with abortion.
Proposed law requires DHH to create printable Internet-based resources that include telephone
numbers and links to websites of nonprofit organizations that provide confidential helplines to
give women free access to professional and lay counselors who are trained and compassionate in
helping those who are considering abortion or who are experiencing psychiatric or psychological
distress after an abortion.
Proposed law provides that the governor shall appoint a task force to assist DHH in the
preparation of the printed and Internet materials provided for in proposed law. Provides that the
task force shall be comprised of the following members:
(1)One psychologist licensed by the La. State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
(2)One physician who is board certified as a psychiatrist and licensed by the La. State Board
of Medical Examiners.
(3)One layperson who provides pre-abortion or post-abortion counseling in association with
a nonprofit organization that does not counsel for or provide abortion.
(Adds R.S. 40:1299.35.5.2)