Louisiana 2023 Regular Session

Louisiana House Bill HB266

Introduced
3/28/23  
Introduced
3/28/23  
Refer
3/28/23  

Caption

Provides relative to the civil liability and criminal prosecution of certain pregnancy outcomes

Impact

The enactment of HB 266 would represent a significant shift in Louisiana's legal landscape regarding reproductive health. By formally eliminating civil liability and criminal charges connected to pregnancy outcomes, the bill asserts a public policy that supports women during all stages of pregnancy. This change could positively impact the mental and emotional well-being of individuals who may experience complications in their pregnancies, by removing the threat of legal repercussions during vulnerable times.

Summary

House Bill 266 aims to provide important legal protections for women regarding the outcomes of their pregnancies. It establishes that no individual shall be held liable or face criminal prosecution due to various pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirths, miscarriages, and intentional terminations of pregnancy. This foundational clause is intended to alleviate the burden of legal reprimand for women who experience such outcomes, ensuring that they face neither civil penalties nor criminal charges for what are often traumatic experiences.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 266 appears to be one of support from various advocacy groups focused on women's rights and reproductive health. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step towards protecting women from legal repercussions and stigmatization linked to pregnancy losses. However, the potential for contention exists, particularly among groups who may view the bill as insufficient or propose contrasting measures related to reproductive health.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise from differing perspectives on reproductive rights. While proponents of the bill champion it as a necessary protective measure, opponents might argue that the provisions do not go far enough in addressing comprehensive reproductive healthcare needs. The implications of this legislation could incite discussions around broader reproductive health policies, highlighting a division in public opinion on such sensitive matters.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA HB1027

Provides relative to criminal and civil liability of certain pregnancy outcomes

LA HB630

Provides relative to criminal prosecution of certain pregnancy outcomes

LA HB575

Provides relative to liability for the unlawful termination of a pregnancy

LA SR276

A resolution expressing opposition to the use of State power against people in the United States seeking essential health care, including criminalization of the full range of sexual and reproductive health care such as abortion, gender-affirming care, and contraceptive care, and disapproving of State punishment of people for their pregnancy outcomes.

LA HR561

Expressing opposition to the use of State power against people in the United States seeking essential health care, including criminalization of the full range of sexual and reproductive health care such as abortion, gender-affirming care, and contraceptive care, and disapproving of State punishment of people for their pregnancy outcomes.

LA HB45

Provides immunity from civil liability and criminal prosecution for certain persons during COVID-19 declared emergency (Items #28 and 60)

LA HB22

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

LA HB36

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

LA HB111

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

LA HB2690

Relating to abortion, including civil liability for distribution of abortion-inducing drugs and duties of Internet service providers; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a private civil right of action.

Similar Bills

CA AB602

False advertising: pregnancy-related services.

NJ S3545

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ A2145

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ S2522

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ A861

Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act.

NJ A5418

Requires pregnancy centers to disclose certain information in multiple languages.

SC H3504

Pregnancy CARE Act

SC H3012

Pregnancy CARE Act