Alabama House Bill HB349

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/22
• Refer: 2/15/22

Caption

Abortion, Every Mother Matters Act, Pregnancy Launch Program created, resource access assistance offers required to be made before performance of an abortion

Impact

The enactment of HB349 is expected to significantly change the landscape of reproductive health services in Alabama. By creating a comprehensive program that emphasizes support for pregnant women, the bill aims to promote healthy pregnancies while simultaneously steering women towards childbirth as an alternative to abortion. However, the bill's requirements for obtaining an abortion could lead to delays and increase the barriers for women seeking abortion services, raising concerns among reproductive rights advocates regarding access to healthcare and the potential emotional and physical implications of such delays.

Summary

House Bill 349, known as the Every Mother Matters Act, aims to enhance the support services available to pregnant women and parents in Alabama. The bill establishes the Pregnancy Launch Program, which seeks to connect pregnant individuals with essential resources and services prior to undergoing an abortion. Specifically, it mandates that a physician must confirm that a woman has received a resource access assistance offer that outlines available pregnancy-related services, including healthcare and social support, before performing an abortion. This step is intended to ensure that women are informed about their options and the support available to them during pregnancy.

Contention

Notably, the bill raises points of contention among various stakeholders. Supporters argue that it underscores the state's commitment to maternal care and providing women with the information needed to make informed choices about their pregnancies. Conversely, opponents criticize the bill as a mechanism to impose additional barriers to abortion access, suggesting that it could be perceived as coercive rather than supportive. The bill explicitly prohibits any agency providing the Pregnancy Launch Program services from being affiliated with abortion providers, sparking debates over the neutrality and objectivity of the resources being offered to women in need.