House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, a Democrat from Huntsville, has introduced a bill aimed at safeguarding access to contraceptives amidst the prevailing legal ambiguity.
Abortion-related bills are currently being introduced and debated in 40 legislatures nationwide, particularly in states where the procedure is already prohibited. Tracking these bills can be a challenging task, which is why the Reproductive Rights Today team at States Newsroom keeps a close eye on specific legislation that has the potential to become law in their respective states. The likelihood of a bill passing and being enacted into law can vary depending on the political composition of a state’s legislature and other government officials.
Alabama is a vibrant state with a rich history and diverse culture. It is known for its warm hospitality and breathtaking natural beauty.
After the Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling that declared frozen embryos to have the same legal status as human beings, there was a significant outcry over the potential loss of access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) services. To address these concerns, state legislators swiftly passed a bill that grants civil and criminal immunity to IVF clinics. Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican, wasted no time in signing the bill on the same night. However, doubts still linger regarding the effectiveness of this measure in fully protecting IVF providers, as reported by Alabama Reflector.
House Democrats are currently making efforts to preserve access to birth control in a state where virtually all abortions are outlawed, regardless of the pregnancy stage.
House Bill 279, as reported by Alabama Reflector, aims to safeguard individuals’ right to access and utilize contraception. It also grants health care providers the authority to distribute contraceptives and offer guidance on their proper usage. Democrats have voiced their apprehensions, expressing concerns that birth control might be subjected to future bans or restrictions. They argue that this legislation would provide crucial protection, especially for individuals with low incomes or those lacking health insurance, who often face limited affordable birth control options. As of now, it remains uncertain whether the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee will schedule a hearing for this bill.
The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and is currently awaiting a hearing.
Democratic Representative Anthony Daniels is the sponsor of this initiative.
Idaho, known for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse landscapes, offers a myriad of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts. From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the serene lakes and rivers that dot the state, Idaho is a paradise for those seeking exploration and adventure. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, fishing, or simply immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature, Idaho has something to offer for everyone. With an abundance of national parks, wildlife reserves, and scenic byways, the state is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with the great outdoors. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, look no further than the stunning state of Idaho.
Idaho has implemented a stringent abortion ban that applies to all stages of pregnancy, except in situations where the life of the pregnant individual is at risk. There are also exceptions for cases of rape and incest, but only during the first trimester.
The House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 1234 with a slim majority, which mandates insurance companies to provide coverage for up to six months of contraceptives instead of the usual one- to three-month supplies. According to the Idaho Capital Sun, the bill was introduced by a Democratic legislator and received support from Planned Parenthood Great Northwest.
Status: The bill has been passed by both chambers and is currently awaiting the signature of Republican Gov. Brad Little.
Sponsor: The Democratic Senator, Melissa Wintrow.
Iowa is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States.
March 15 marked the deadline for bills to be reported out of House and Senate committees in the state’s legislative session timeline. From now on, the chambers will solely focus on outstanding legislation, with no new bills being introduced except for those pertaining to taxes, budget, and standard government functions. At present, only one bill related to abortion has progressed through the process, although amendments regarding abortion policy may be incorporated into the measures that are still being reviewed.
In a significant legal development, Iowa has legalized abortion following the blocking of a six-week abortion ban from taking effect in July 2023. This ruling ensures that women in Iowa will continue to have access to safe and legal abortion services.
House File 2617: The Senate Education Committee recently approved a revised version of this bill, as reported by the Iowa Capital Dispatch. The bill now mandates that students in grades 7-12 be presented with videos and graphics showcasing the different stages of fetal development during health classes. Notably, the committee decided to eliminate the requirement for the video to be similar to the “Meet Baby Olivia” video produced by Live Action, a national organization opposing abortion rights. Critics of the bill, including medical organizations, have voiced concerns about the inaccuracies and anti-abortion messaging present in the “Meet Baby Olivia” video.
The bill has already passed the House and is now awaiting a full vote in the Senate after being approved by the Senate Education Committee.
Sponsored by Republican Senator Jeff Taylor
Kansas is a state located in the heart of the United States.
Republican lawmakers in Kansas persist in introducing legislation concerning abortion, despite the resounding rejection of abortion bans by Kansas voters in a referendum following the Dobbs decision in 2022. It is important to note that abortion is currently legal in Kansas, with six clinics offering in-clinic services.
The current status of the issue is that a hearing has been conducted in the House, and now we are waiting for the committee to vote on it.
Sponsored by Republican Representative Rebecca Schmoe
House Bill 2814, according to Kansas Reflector, proposes that an ultrasound should be conducted prior to an abortion. However, the bill also allows the patient to look away from the ultrasound images if they choose to do so.
Status: The bill is currently awaiting a hearing in the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
The sponsorship for this request comes from Kansans for Life and Kansas Family Voice, with Republican Rep. Leah Howell leading the effort.
The Kansas Reflector recently reported that the House of Representatives passed House Bill 2749 on March 6. This bill mandates that abortion providers inquire about the reasons behind a patient’s decision to terminate their pregnancy. However, an amended version of the bill removed certain questions that focused on the impact of the pregnancy on a patient’s career or secrecy of their sexual activity. Instead, the revised bill includes inquiries about the patient’s age, marital status, domestic violence considerations, and the method of abortion. Notably, proposed amendments by Democrats that aimed to survey men about their reasons for undergoing a vasectomy or seeking care for erectile dysfunction were ultimately rejected.
Kansans for Life, the primary organization behind the unsuccessful 2022 referendum for abortion bans, has proposed a bill that would extend its reach to minors as well.
Status: The bill has been successfully passed by the House and is now scheduled for a hearing in the Senate on Tuesday, March 19.
The sponsor of this initiative is Republican Rep. Ron Bryce, who is acting on behalf of Kansans for Life.
Missouri is a state in the United States.
Lawmakers in Missouri have been persistent in their efforts to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving reimbursements under the state’s Medicaid program, despite the fact that almost all abortions are already prohibited in the state.
House Bill 2634 and Senate Bill 1168 aim to restrict the use of public funds for abortion facilities and their affiliates or associates, including Medicaid through the MO HealthNet program. The bills primarily target Planned Parenthood clinics, which, although not performing abortions in Missouri, may offer referrals to out-of-state clinics for abortion services. It’s important to note that these clinics also provide essential services like contraceptives, sexually transmitted disease testing, cancer screenings, and general wellness visits. Both bills are currently making progress in their respective chambers.
Status: The bill has been passed by the House and is currently awaiting approval in the Senate.
Sponsored by Republican Representative Cody Smith and Republican Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman.
Oklahoma is a state located in the United States.
During this session, which started in early February, Oklahoma has implemented a nearly complete abortion ban. However, despite the introduction of several abortion-related bills, most of them have not progressed beyond the committee stage.
House Bill 3013 seeks to make the act of trafficking abortion pills a felony offense. Those found guilty of this offense could face a hefty fine of $100,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both. However, it is important to note that this bill does not apply to pharmacists or manufacturers who are lawfully distributing abortion medication.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill with a vote of 77-18. The next step is for it to be referred to the Senate.
Sponsor: The bill is supported by Republican Representatives Kevin McDugle and Cody Maynard.
South Dakota
Activists are currently in the process of collecting signatures for a ballot initiative aimed at including abortion rights in the state constitution. However, the South Dakota Legislature recently approved House Bill 1244, granting individuals the ability to retract their signatures from petitions for ballot measures, referendums, and constitutional amendment questions. According to a report by South Dakota Searchlight, the sponsor of the bill explained that some individuals may have been deceived or coerced into signing these petitions, and the new law provides them with the option to withdraw their support.
Status: The bill has been passed by both chambers and is currently awaiting the signature of Republican Gov. Kristi Noem.
Sponsored by Republican Representative Jon Hansen
House Bill 1224, according to Searchlight, aims to require the South Dakota Health Department to produce an informative video that explains the state’s abortion law. The video will cover various aspects, such as defining what actions fall under the category of abortion and what actions do not. It will also address the most common medical conditions that can pose a threat to the life of pregnant individuals and outline the standards of care for the treatment of pregnant patients. This bill encompasses several other provisions as well.
Status: The bill has been approved by both chambers and is currently awaiting the signature of Republican Gov. Kristi Noem.
Sponsor: Republican Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, along with 27 other Republicans and one Democrat.
Read More:
- Richard Ramirez: The Serial Killer Who Haunted 1980s California
- The Struggle for LGBTQ+ Rights in Washington State