Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB26

Introduced
1/8/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

Should HB 26 pass, it would dramatically change the landscape of abortion services in Pennsylvania. By eliminating several requirements that are currently seen as barriers for individuals seeking abortions, the bill is intended to ensure easier access to reproductive healthcare. It could potentially shift the regulatory framework surrounding abortion in the state, leading to fewer restrictions on the conditions under which abortions can be performed. This reflects a growing trend toward prioritizing reproductive freedom and autonomy.

Summary

House Bill 26 proposes significant amendments to the existing provisions relating to abortion within the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill aims to repeal many of the current limitations on abortion procedures, including requirements for medical consultation, informed consent, and parental consent, as well as restrictions on the provision of abortion services at publicly owned facilities. In addition, the bill redefines legal terminology associated with reproductive health and emphasizes the preservation and protection of reproductive rights under Pennsylvania law.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 26 appears to be deeply polarized. Proponents argue that the bill enhances individual rights and recognizes the importance of personal decision-making regarding reproductive health. They contend that removing bureaucratic hurdles will support individuals in accessing necessary medical care. Conversely, opponents express concerns that the repeal of these provisions may lead to poorly informed decisions regarding abortions and could diminish oversight of reproductive health practices.

Contention

Key points of contention within the discussions around HB 26 include the arguments over the necessity of regulations meant to protect the health of women and children, versus the demand for more accessible reproductive healthcare services. Critics of the bill raise concerns about potential risks and the adequacy of informed consent when restrictions are relaxed. The debate encapsulates broader societal divides on issues of bodily autonomy, healthcare access, and the role of government in personal health decisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 SB830

Further providing for definitions; and repealing provisions relating to booth rental prohibited.

PA HB2219

In regulation of insurers and related persons generally, repealing provisions relating to compliance with Federal health care legislation.

PA HB328

Further providing for definitions; and repealing provisions relating to booth rental prohibited.

PA HB2303

In preliminary provisions relating to divorce, further providing for legislative findings and intent, for definitions, for bases of jurisdiction, for effect of agreement between parties and for premarital agreements; in dissolution of marital status, further providing for grounds for divorce, repealing provisions relating to counseling, further providing for grounds for annulment of voidable marriages, repealing provisions relating to defenses, to action where defendant suffering from mental disorder and to general appearance and collusion, further providing for hearing by master, providing for general order of divorce proceedings, repealing provisions relating to jury trial, further providing for decree of court and repealing provisions relating to opening or vacating decrees; in property rights, further providing for definitions and for disposition of property to defeat obligations; in alimony and support, further providing for alimony and repealing provisions relating to bar to alimony; and repealing provisions relating to mediation.

PA HB1195

In public assistance, repealing provisions relating to expenditure of public funds for abortions limited.

PA HB2057

In public assistance, repealing provisions relating to expenditure of public funds for abortions limited; and abrogating a regulation.

PA HB2463

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

Similar Bills

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 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 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.

KY HB759

AN ACT relating to abortion.

SD SB210

Establish an individual's right to make autonomous decisions about the individual's reproductive health care, and to repeal provisions related to abortion.

KY HB203

AN ACT relating to abortion.

KY HB711

AN ACT relating to abortion.

KY HB3

AN ACT relating to public health and declaring an emergency.