Louisiana Senate Bill SB221

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/19
• Refer: 3/27/19
• Refer: 4/8/19
• Report Pass: 4/16/19
• Engrossed: 4/24/19
• Refer: 4/25/19
• Report Pass: 5/21/19
• Enrolled: 6/1/19
• Chaptered: 6/11/19
• Passed: 6/11/19

Caption

Provides relative to abortion and the Woman's Right to Know law. (gov sig)

Impact

The enactment of SB 221 would amend existing Louisiana law related to abortion under the Woman's Right to Know provisions. It emphasizes the requirement for physicians performing abortions to disclose their qualifications, including board certifications and any disciplinary history over the past decade. This is intended to improve transparency at outpatient abortion facilities, many of which have been criticized for lacking clarity regarding the credentials of their staff. Such changes could significantly affect how abortions are performed and the information available to patients in Louisiana, potentially influencing broader healthcare standards.

Summary

Senate Bill 221 aims to enhance the informed consent process for women considering an abortion in Louisiana. The bill mandates that at least seventy-two hours prior to the procedure, physicians must provide comprehensive written and oral disclosures regarding their qualifications, the nature of the abortion procedure, associated risks, and the characteristics of the unborn child. This initiative is rooted in the belief that women need thorough and transparent information to make informed decisions about their health care options, particularly in the context of abortion which carries certain risks.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 221 appears to be contentious. Proponents argue that the bill empowers women by ensuring they receive vital information necessary for making informed decisions about their healthcare. They contend that the requirements stipulated in the bill will enhance patient safety by ensuring that only qualified and accountable physicians perform abortions. Conversely, opponents of the bill view it as a means to impose additional barriers to accessing abortion services, potentially infringing on women's rights and autonomy. This dichotomy highlights a fundamental conflict between differing views on reproductive rights and healthcare regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the perspectives on patient safety versus access to abortion services. Advocates of increased regulation argue that the lack of information about physicians in outpatient abortion clinics poses health risks and undermines patient autonomy. Meanwhile, those against such regulations fear that these requirements could deter women from seeking necessary medical procedures, thereby infringing on their rights. The debate encapsulates broader societal discussions surrounding reproductive rights, women's health, and the role of state regulation in personal healthcare decisions.