Women's Health Legislation
The latest news on laws that impact women’s health — stay informed on what’s happening now.
Adoption Amendments
Utah House Bill 51, titled "Adoption Amendments," has been introduced in the 2026 General Session. The bill is categorized as a partisan effort, primarily supported by Republican sponsors.
The bill has been recently numbered and publicly distributed for legislative review. It signifies an ongoing legislative effort regarding adoption processes in Utah, although specific details about the amendments have not been outlined in the provided summary.
For those interested in reviewing the full text or tracking the status of this legislation, further information can be accessed through official legislative channels.
Reproductive Health
South Carolina House Bill 4639, titled the "Reproductive Empowerment and Support Through Optimal Restoration (RESTORE) Act," aims to enhance research and training related to reproductive health conditions that lead to infertility. The bill emphasizes the importance of providing men and women with comprehensive information about their reproductive health, as many currently lack access to restorative reproductive medicine.
The act highlights that reproductive health issues are a major cause of infertility, affecting a significant portion of both women and men in the U.S. Conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome are noted as common contributors. The bill argues that there's a considerable gap in care and research regarding reproductive health, especially concerning cases of unexplained infertility, which accounts for a notable percentage of infertility diagnoses.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the South Carolina Code by introducing a new chapter focused on reproductive health. This chapter will define various conditions associated with reproductive health, outline the definitions of assisted reproductive technologies, and promote a better understanding of how these issues affect fertility and overall health. The aim is to provide better support and treatment options for individuals experiencing reproductive health challenges.
Abortion
```html
South Carolina House Bill 4637 aims to amend state laws regarding abortion. It seeks to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, possession, and prescribing of abortion-inducing drugs within the state, with specific exceptions. Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for violations and allows for legal action against those involved in such activities.
The bill defines various terms related to abortion, including "abortion," "abortion-inducing drugs," "abortion fund," and "abortion provider." It clarifies that certain medications or actions taken to treat medical conditions or emergencies are excluded from this prohibition.
Moreover, the legislation looks to impose penalties for aiding or abetting elective abortions, which includes financial support to abortion funds. The bill was introduced during the 126th General Assembly and is currently in committee review.
```Establishes a reproductive health services training and education grant program to train licensed providers and interns or residents who are employed by a hospital or otherwise enrolled in an accredited graduate medical education program in the performanc
New York Assembly Bill A02439 aims to create a grant program to train healthcare providers in abortion and reproductive health services. This bill is intended for licensed professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, and resident interns who are authorized to provide these services.
The program will provide clinical training to eligible participants, ensuring they meet recognized training standards and comply with state laws. Grants from this program can support costs related to administration, faculty recruitment, and other expenses necessary for teaching reproductive health care.
Additionally, the bill establishes a special fund called the Reproductive Health Training and Education Fund to manage financial resources for this initiative. The state's commissioner is required to report annually on the progress of the program, including the total funding granted and the number of participants and providers involved.
Providing for access to contraceptives; imposing duties on the Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services; providing for severability; and imposing penalties.
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1112 aims to improve access to contraceptives in the state. It outlines responsibilities for the Insurance Department and the Department of Human Services regarding contraceptive provision.
The bill has been identified as a strongly partisan measure, predominantly supported by Democratic lawmakers. It was introduced and referred to the Banking & Insurance committee on December 5, 2025.
In addition to facilitating contraceptive access, the legislation includes provisions for severability and outlines penalties for non-compliance with the bill's requirements.
Creates provisions relating to maternal care
Summary of Missouri House Bill 1950
Missouri House Bill 1950 aims to establish new provisions related to maternal care. This bill has been introduced in the 2026 regular session and is sponsored by one Democrat. The details of the bill are currently not fully available, but it focuses on improving aspects of maternal health and care in the state.
The bill has been prefiled, meaning it was submitted before the session officially began, though its current status is not specified. The main goal of HB1950 is to address maternal care needs and enhance services for mothers in Missouri.
Additional information about the bill, including the full text and any potential changes made to it, can be accessed through legislative tracking services like LegiScan.
Access to birth control program.
Indiana House Bill 1020 aims to improve access to birth control programs within the state. The bill is currently in the introduced stage and has been referred to the Committee on Public Health for further consideration.
This piece of legislation is partisan, associated with the Republican Party. It has undergone its first reading as of December 1, 2025, indicating that it is in the early phases of the legislative process.
The full text of the bill can be downloaded for detailed review, but the main focus is on making birth control more accessible to residents of Indiana.
Contraception; establishes right to obtain, applicability, enforcement.
Virginia House Bill 6, introduced on January 14, 2026, aims to establish the right to obtain contraception and reinforce access to contraceptive methods and information in the state. The bill addresses the definitions and rights surrounding contraception, which includes any action taken to prevent pregnancy through various approved contraceptive methods.
The bill asserts that both individuals and health care providers have the right to obtain and provide contraceptives without interference from laws or policies that limit access. Moreover, any restrictions would need to be justified convincingly to ensure they do not infringe on these rights. Importantly, no sterilization procedures can occur without informed consent.
Additionally, the bill outlines that no state or local government can enforce laws that restrict the sale or use of FDA-approved contraceptives. Individuals negatively affected by such laws will have the right to challenge them in court. The Attorney General will also have the authority to take legal action against violations of this legislation. Courts can provide relief by striking down any laws that infringe upon these rights.
In provisions concerning the dispensation of contraceptives, changes the contraceptives dispensed to contraceptives, including emergency contraception (rather than hormonal contraceptives)
Illinois House Bill 4198 aims to amend the Pharmacy Practice Act regarding the dispensation of contraceptives. The bill specifies that pharmacists will be able to dispense a range of contraceptives, including emergency contraception, instead of limiting this to hormonal contraceptives.
One key provision in the bill requires pharmacists to verify the identity of an adult picking up contraceptives for a minor if they are not known to the pharmacy staff. However, if the adult cannot provide ID and the pharmacist believes that delaying the dispensation could harm the patient, the requirement can be waived.
This bill was introduced by Rep. Amy L. Grant and currently stands in the status of being introduced in the 104th General Assembly for 2025-2026. It emphasizes the need for pharmacists to use their professional judgment while also ensuring patient safety and access to necessary medications.
Enacts the "life appropriation act" prohibiting state funding for abortions and related costs; regulates abortions and prohibits dismemberment abortions.
New York Assembly Bill A09198, introduced on November 3, 2025, aims to prohibit state funding for abortions and related costs, while also regulating abortion practices and banning dismemberment abortions. This bill is known as the "life appropriation act."
The bill asserts that public funds in New York may unintentionally support abortions through various indirect means, like shared administrative costs. It argues that taxpayers who oppose abortion—viewed as a moral or religious issue—should not have their funds allocated to support such practices, asserting that this funding causes them to violate their conscience.
Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, claiming that state funds should not endorse policies related to abortion that are seen as tied to secular beliefs. The bill reflects a broader attempt to address concerns from individuals who view the state funding of abortion as contrary to their values.