EQUIP Act of 2023 Enhancing Questions to Understand Intentions for Pregnancy Act of 2023
Impact
The bill is designed to enhance the clinical adoption of pregnancy intention screening by encouraging health care and social service providers to routinely assess their patients' reproductive health goals. By facilitating successful and comprehensive pregnancy intention screenings, this legislation aspires to prevent unintended pregnancies and improve the likelihood of healthy pregnancies among individuals seeking healthcare services. Funding for the program, amounting to $10 million for the fiscal years 2024 through 2026, underscores the federal commitment to prioritizing reproductive health policies.
Summary
House Bill 3659, known as the Enhancing Questions to Understand Intentions for Pregnancy Act of 2023 or the EQUIP Act of 2023, aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a demonstration program focused on pregnancy intention screening initiatives. This initiative will be facilitated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which will award grants to eligible entities involved in providing non-directive and medically accurate information regarding pregnancy and reproductive health.
Contention
One point of contention with HB3659 is its exclusion of crisis pregnancy centers and organizations that may attempt to discourage patients from accessing abortion services, marking a clear distinction between supported providers and those seen as limiting reproductive choices. This specification may provoke debate among various stakeholders about the scope of eligibility for receiving grants under the demonstration program and may raise questions about the funding allocation to ensure equitable access to comprehensive reproductive health services. Advocacy for ensuring culturally competent and gender-affirming care also presents a critical focal point in the discussions surrounding the bill.