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)]
HB 449 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Edmonds
Abstract: Providing for information on adoption to be conveyed pursuant to laws relative to
informed consent to an abortion.
Proposed law provides that it may be referred to as the "Adoption Option Act".
Present law requires the La. Dept. of Health (LDH) to publish an abortion alternatives and informed
consent website. Provides for information to be featured on the website including information on
adoption.
Proposed law retains present law and stipulates that the website shall feature information on adoption
agencies that are not affiliated with an abortion provider, along with easily comprehensible first steps
to aid pregnant women seeking to confidentially explore the option of placing her child for adoption,
and indicating whether the adoption agency allows the woman to choose the adoptive parents.
Proposed law requires that the adoption-related information on the abortion alternatives and
informed consent website be accessible by redirecting from the domain name
"AdoptionOption.La.Gov".
Present law requires LDH to publish printed materials which abortion providers are required to give
to a woman prior to an abortion in order for consent to the abortion to be deemed voluntary and
informed.
Proposed law retains present law and adds thereto a requirement that such materials include the
adoption-related information provided on the abortion alternatives and informed consent website,
along with a list of entities which offer free and confidential counseling to a woman considering
placing her child for adoption. Stipulates that such list shall not include any facility that counsels,
refers, performs, induces, prescribes, or provides any means for abortion.
Proposed law requires the governor convene a task force to assist LDH in the preparation of the
printed and Internet materials provided for in proposed law, and to develop public education
initiatives to publicize such information on abortion alternatives. Provides that the task force shall
be composed of the following members:
(1)Up to two licensed clinical social workers licensed by the La. State Board of Social Work
Examiners, each of whom shall have experience in assisting birth mothers in navigating the
adoption process. (2)Up to two La. residents who provide pre-abortion or post-abortion counseling in association
with a nonprofit organization that does not counsel for or provide abortion.
(3)Up to two attorneys licensed in La. and employed by nonprofit organizations who specialize
in advocacy for women at risk of being coerced into abortion, or who specialize in navigating
the adoption process.
(4)Up to two La. residents who are employed by public or private nonprofit adoption agencies.
(5)Up to two executive directors of La. nonprofit organizations that promote adoption as an
alternative to abortion, or their designees.
(6)Two members of the Senate appointed by the president.
(7)Two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker.
(8)The secretary of LDH or his designee, who shall serve as the chairperson of the task force.
(Amends R.S. 40:1061.17(C)(1)(e) and (D)(intro. para.) and (2); Adds R.S. 40:1061.17.1)