Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB810

Introduced
4/4/23  

Caption

In abortion, further providing for spousal notice.

Impact

If enacted, HB 810 would significantly impact state laws regulating abortion procedures by mandating spousal notification as part of the process. This would alter the landscape of reproductive rights and substantively shift the autonomy women currently have concerning their reproductive health decisions. Critics express that this requirement may deter women from seeking necessary medical care or create additional emotional distress, particularly in situations of domestic strife or unsupportive partnerships. Hence, the bill has the potential to create legal precedents affecting personal privacy and health autonomy.

Summary

House Bill 810 seeks to amend existing abortion laws by introducing a requirement for spousal notification prior to undergoing an abortion procedure. This stipulation aims to ensure that spouses are informed about their partner’s decision regarding abortion, further intertwining personal health choices with marital input. The goal of the bill is to promote familial communication and involvement in what is often a critically personal decision, reflecting certain societal values about marital roles and responsibilities. Supporters argue this amendment could cultivate family unity and eliminate feelings of isolation among women considering an abortion.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 810 appears to be largely contentious, with strong opinions expressed on both sides. Proponents highlight the bill as a measure that can foster responsibility within marriages, while opponents view it as an encroachment on women's rights and personal liberties. Advocacy groups focused on women's freedom of choice emphasize the risks associated with mandated notifications, arguing that such laws can deter women from pursuing the medical services they need, particularly in situations where spousal support may not be forthcoming.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention regarding HB 810 include concerns over its implications for domestic violence situations, where spousal notification could exacerbate risks for women. Additionally, many critics argue that such legislation undermines the confidentiality that is critical to healthcare decisions. The introduction of this bill appears to underline the ongoing debate about reproductive rights within the political sphere, with discussions likely reflecting broader cultural sentiments about marriage, gender roles, and individual autonomy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB428

In assault, further providing for the offense of aggravated assault and for probable cause arrests in domestic violence cases; repealing provisions relating to abortion; in incapacitated persons, further providing for provisions concerning powers, duties and liabilities; providing for reproductive rights; imposing duties on the Department of Health; and imposing penalties.

PA HB26

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; and imposing penalties.

PA SB837

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA HB2304

In provisions relating to abortion, repealing provisions relating to short title of chapter and to legislative intent, further providing for definitions, repealing provisions relating to medical consultation and judgment, to informed consent, to parental consent, to abortion facilities, to printed information, to Commonwealth interference prohibited, to spousal notice, to determination of gestational age, to abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age, to infanticide, to prohibited acts and to reporting, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds and for fetal experimentation and repealing provisions relating to civil penalties, to criminal penalties, to State Board of Medicine and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and to construction; providing for reproductive rights; repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation as to regulation of insurers and related persons generally; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA HB320

In abortion, further providing for legislative intent, providing for fetal heartbeat examination and further providing for medical consultation and judgment, for abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age and for reporting.

PA HB1740

In abortion, further providing for legislative intent, providing for fetal heartbeat examination and further providing for medical consultation and judgment and for abortion on unborn child of 24 or more weeks gestational age; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1194

In abortion, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds.

PA HB2056

In abortion, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds.

PA HB2463

In abortion, further providing for medical consultation and judgment and for informed consent.

PA SB2150

Abortions, sex-selective abortions, genetic abnormality abortions, human dismemberment abortions, and abortions after a detectable heartbeat; to provide a penalty; and to declare an emergency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.