Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB836

Introduced
3/10/25  

Caption

Protecting an individual's choice to use assisted reproductive technology.

Impact

If enacted, HB 836 would reinforce individuals' rights regarding assisted reproductive technology within Pennsylvania, ensuring that laws enacted in the future would not infringe upon these rights unless explicitly stated. This approach empowers individuals and enhances autonomy, allowing them to make personal medical decisions without undue governmental influence. The bill reflects a broader trend in several states aiming to solidify reproductive rights, especially in response to shifts in the political landscape that threaten access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.

Summary

House Bill 836, known as the Preserving Access to Reproductive Efforts Non-Traditional Act, aims to safeguard an individual's right to utilize assisted reproductive technologies without interference from the state. The bill clearly defines assisted reproductive technologies and establishes a legal framework that prohibits any state interference in the provision of such medical services. This legislative effort aligns with increasing calls from various stakeholders to protect reproductive rights, particularly in an environment of rising concerns over government regulation in personal healthcare choices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 836 is predominantly supportive among advocates for reproductive rights who view the bill as a crucial step in protecting medical choices related to family planning and reproductive health. Supporters argue that the bill is essential in preserving personal agency for individuals facing challenging decisions about assisted reproductive technologies. However, there is apprehension among some groups regarding the implications of the bill and how it may interact with other reproductive health laws, suggesting a need for ongoing dialogue and scrutiny.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise surrounding the definitions and scope of 'medically appropriate methods' as outlined in the legislation, which could lead to debates over what constitutes acceptable practices within assisted reproductive technologies. Additionally, the bill's implications on future legislation could invoke scrutiny, especially if conflicts arise between this bill and laws aimed at regulating reproductive healthcare. Overall, while the bill aims to affirm rights, it opens the door for potential legal disputes concerning state versus individual rights in reproductive choices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB939

In rules of evidence, providing for protection of reproductive health services records.

PA HB1784

In rules of evidence, providing for protection of reproductive health services records.

PA HB1383

In casualty insurance, providing for infertility care coverage.

PA SB602

In casualty insurance, providing for infertility care coverage.

PA SB475

In casualty insurance, providing for coverage for infertility treatment.

PA HB1961

Adding provisions relating to establishment of parent-child relationship for certain individuals; providing for voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, for registry of paternity, for genetic testing, for proceeding to adjudicate parentage, for assisted reproduction, for surrogacy agreements and for information about donors.

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 HB350

In proceedings prior to petition to adopt, further providing for hearing, for alternative procedure for relinquishment and for hearing; in support matters generally, further providing for paternity and for continuing jurisdiction over support orders; in general provisions relating to children and minors, repealing provisions relating to acknowledgment and claim of paternity; in jurisdiction, further providing for bases for jurisdiction over nonresident; enacting the Uniform Parentage Act; and providing for parent-child relationship for certain individuals, for voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, for genetic testing, for proceeding to adjudicate parentage, for assisted reproduction, for surrogacy agreements and for information about donors.

PA SB940

In public safety, establishing the Reproductive Health Services Address Confidentiality Program; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1787

In public safety, establishing the Reproductive Health Services Address Confidentiality Program; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.