Alabama House Bill HB401

Alabama 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/22
• Refer: 2/23/22

Caption

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

Impact

This act introduces the Pregnancy Launch Program, which is designed to promote alternatives to abortion through support for pregnant women. The program will offer a range of services from care plan coordination to help with immediate socioeconomic needs such as housing, employment, and childcare. Importantly, the bill emphasizes the importance of providing assistance during pregnancy and postpartum periods, thereby aiming to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce the overall number of abortions in the state. By doing this, the bill reflects a shift in state laws towards supporting childbirth and family formation as alternatives to abortion.

Summary

House Bill 401, known as the Every Mother Matters Act, aims to enhance support services for women considering an abortion by mandating that they receive information about various pregnancy-related resources. Before an abortion procedure, physicians are required to confirm that the woman seeking the abortion has received a 'resource access assistance offer.' This offer will involve a phone consultation with a trained professional who will communicate available services and resources that can assist the woman through her pregnancy and parenting journey.

Contention

While proponents argue that the bill offers crucial support to pregnant women and promotes healthier family outcomes, critics contend it may infringe upon reproductive rights. There are concerns that the mandated consultations could make access to abortion more cumbersome and could be seen as a form of coercion by requiring women to engage with state-sanctioned resources before exercising their rights. This contention is expected to lead to significant debate regarding the balance between supporting women during their pregnancy and protecting their autonomy.

Notable_points

The bill stipulates strict guidelines regarding the conduct of care agents and agencies involved in the Pregnancy Launch Program, ensuring they do not provide or assist in obtaining abortions. This distinction signifies a clear legislative intent to prevent any potential conflicts of interest and maintain a focus on providing support rather than infringing upon abortion access. Additionally, the provision allowing women to refuse assistance underscores a recognition of individual choice in sensitive health decisions.