Mississippi House Bill HB948

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/22
• Refer: 1/17/22
• Failed: 2/1/22

Caption

Abortion-inducing pill; regulate with required consent.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts state laws surrounding abortion and reproductive health by reinforcing the requirement for informed consent and delineating specific information that must be communicated to the patient. It is designed to ensure that women receiving abortion-inducing drugs are fully informed of the potential risks and alternatives. Additionally, it establishes penalties for improper disclosures of consent information, thereby adding a layer of accountability for healthcare providers.

Summary

House Bill 948 aims to regulate the use of abortion-inducing drugs by mandating that informed consent be obtained from the pregnant woman prior to administering such drugs. The legislation specifies that doctors must use a standard consent form created by the Department of Health that details the medical risks associated with abortion procedures, the probable gestational age of the unborn child, and the rights of the patient. Notably, consent must be given at least twenty-four hours before the drug is provided, with certain exceptions for medical emergencies.

Contention

Opponents of HB 948 argue that the legislation imposes unnecessary barriers to abortion access by extending waiting times and potentially increasing distress for women considering this option. Critics also express concern that by mandating specific information that must be relayed, the legislation may introduce biases and emotional stress into medical consultations. Furthermore, there are worries about the bill concealing anti-abortion intentions under the guise of informed consent, which may lead to further restrictions on reproductive rights in Mississippi.