Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB983

Introduced
2/10/23  
Refer
2/10/23  

Caption

Second Chance at Life Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB 983 would amend the Public Health Service Act to include specific requirements for abortion providers regarding informed consent for chemical abortions. This includes the establishment of a website with information on the reversal of chemical abortions, educational materials, and the necessity for clinics to display clear signage about abortion reversal options. The bill preempts state laws that may already impose more stringent requirements relative to informed consent but allows states to maintain laws that enhance disclosure requirements beyond the federal requirements established by this act.

Summary

House Bill 983, known as the 'Second Chance at Life Act of 2023', is aimed at ensuring that women who are considering a chemical abortion are informed about the possibility of reversing the procedure if they change their minds. The bill mandates that abortion providers give women information regarding the potential for abortion pill reversal at least 24 hours prior to administering a chemical abortion, specifically using the drug mifepristone in a two-drug regimen that includes misoprostol. Additionally, it requires that written discharge instructions are provided post-administration of the first drug, outlining the possibility of reversal.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 983 illustrates the ongoing contentious discussions surrounding reproductive health legislation in the United States. If passed, it would impact abortion policies and women's health rights at both state and federal levels, paving the way for further debates about regulatory practices in reproductive healthcare.

Contention

The bill has sparked a significant amount of debate, with proponents arguing that it empowers women by giving them more information and options regarding their reproductive choices. However, opponents warn that the concept of reversing a chemical abortion is based on contested medical evidence and can potentially create emotional distress for women who may be misled into thinking they have an effective way to reverse the effects after taking the first pill. Critics are also concerned about the implications for women's autonomy and their healthcare experience, especially in cases of medical emergencies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB2570

Safeguarding Women’s and Children’s Health Act of 2023

US H788

The Second Chances Act

US HB5806

Ending Chemical Abortions Act of 2023

US HB421

Teleabortion Prevention Act of 2023 This bill restricts the use of telehealth for chemical abortions (also known as medication abortions). Specifically, it requires a provider who dispenses or prescribes medication for a chemical abortion to physically examine the patient, be physically present at the location of the chemical abortion, and schedule a follow-up visit for the patient. The bill provides an exception for a chemical abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, injury, or condition. The bill establishes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both—for a provider who does not comply with the requirements. A patient who undergoes a chemical abortion may not be prosecuted.

US HB1126

HOPE Act Health, Opportunity, Protecting life, Education Act

US SB1031

Relating to abortion; prescribing an effective date.

US HB4042

Relating to abortion; prescribing an effective date.

US HB629

Ending Chemical Abortions Act of 2025

US HB1427

SNAP Second Chance Act of 2023

US HB384

Protecting Life from Chemical Abortions Act This bill nullifies certain changes made by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to dispensing requirements for mifepristone. (Mifepristone is a drug that is approved to end pregnancies through 10 weeks gestation when used in conjunction with the drug misoprostol. The procedure is often referred to as medication abortion or the abortion pill.) The FDA regulates the use of mifepristone through the Mifepristone Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. The program requires health care providers to comply with certain requirements in order to prescribe or dispense mifepristone to end a pregnancy; the program previously included an in-person dispensing requirement that required mifepristone to be directly dispensed to patients in clinics, medical offices, or hospitals. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, the FDA temporarily stopped enforcing the in-person dispensing requirement, which allowed mail-order pharmacies to fill and dispense mifepristone prescriptions. In January 2023, the FDA modified program requirements so as to (1) remove the in-person dispensing requirement, and (2) require pharmacies to be certified in the program in order to dispense mifepristone. The modifications allow retail pharmacies, after receiving certification, to dispense mifepristone pursuant to prescriptions that are written by program-certified prescribers. The bill nullifies the January 2023 changes and prohibits the FDA from (1) exercising any enforcement discretion with respect to program requirements, or (2) reducing program protections until every state submits certain data regarding abortions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bill also generally prohibits the declaration of a public health emergency with respect to abortions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.