Women's Health Legislation
The latest news on laws that impact women’s health — stay informed on what’s happening now.
Requiring the Kansas department of health and environment to provide forms and notices to physicians pursuant to the woman's-right-to know act.
Kansas House Bill 2729 is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the communication of health information regarding pregnancies. The bill requires the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to provide specific forms and notices to physicians in accordance with the women's right-to-know act.
This bill has currently been introduced and is scheduled for a hearing in the House on February 12, 2026, at 9:00 AM in Room 346-S. The bill is categorized as a committee bill and is in its introductory stage within the 2025-2026 regular session.
Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program; established, report.
Virginia Senate Bill 721 aims to establish a Maternal Health Monitoring Pilot Program to improve maternal health care. This program will focus on remote patient monitoring for issues like maternal hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy and up to three months postpartum.
The program, set to run in fiscal years 2027 and 2028, will be administered by the Department of Medical Assistance Services. This department will choose managed care organizations and technology vendors to facilitate the program, ensuring proper monitoring and support for eligible participants.
Eligible participants include pregnant patients who receive medical assistance services. The plan involves using technology to collect and securely transmit health data, enabling health care providers to monitor patients' conditions effectively. Participants will also receive training on using the remote monitoring devices and have access to health coaching and immediate support if health indicators raise concern.
Stop harm-empower women with informed notices.
Wyoming House Bill 117 aims to empower women by ensuring they receive informed notices regarding health-related issues. The legislation emphasizes the importance of providing clear information to women to help them make informed decisions about their health.
This bill is categorized as a partisan bill, sponsored by Republican legislators. It was introduced in the Wyoming State Legislature on February 9, 2026, and is currently in the introductory phase, with further actions or votes not yet recorded.
The focus of the bill highlights a commitment to supporting women's health rights and promoting awareness of potential harm while ensuring that individuals have access to necessary information.
Increasing access to contraceptive drugs, devices, and procedures
Summary of West Virginia House Bill 5185
West Virginia House Bill 5185 seeks to increase access to contraceptive drugs, devices, and procedures. Introduced on February 4, 2026, the bill is currently referred to the House Health and Human Resources Committee. It aims to amend existing laws regarding contraceptive coverage under health insurance plans.
The bill proposes to repeal previous regulations and introduce new definitions and coverage requirements related to contraceptives. It defines key terms such as "contraceptives," "covered person," and "health insurance plan" to clarify what is included under the new law. Notably, the bill mandates that health insurance plans must not restrict or exclude coverage for prescription contraceptive drugs and devices approved by the FDA.
Furthermore, if enacted, the bill would require health insurance plans to provide specific benefits, such as coverage for a 12-month supply of prescribed contraceptives and reimbursement for voluntary sterilization procedures. It also emphasizes the importance of patient education and counseling on contraception and guarantees follow-up services related to the covered contraceptives and procedures.
Increasing Access to Contraceptives Act; enact
House Bill 1138 in Georgia, titled the "Increasing Access to Contraceptives Act," has been introduced for the 2025-2026 legislative session. The bill aims to enhance access to contraceptives for residents of Georgia.
This bill is sponsored by a group of six Republican legislators and was first introduced on February 4, 2026. Currently, it is at the stage of being reviewed by the House.
The legislation reflects a broader discussion and push for improving healthcare access, particularly related to family planning and reproductive health services in the state.
AN ACT relating to reproductive health services.
Kentucky House Bill 550, titled "An Act relating to reproductive health services," has been introduced in the 2026 Regular Session of the Kentucky State Legislature. The bill is currently sponsored by one Democratic representative.
The status of the bill is "Introduced," and it was referred to the Committee on Committees on February 3, 2026. As a partisan bill, it reflects the viewpoints of the sponsoring party in its approach to reproductive health services.
For more specific details about the bill, including its text and any votes scheduled, additional resources and documents can be accessed through the Kentucky State Legislature's official page.
Establishing the right to contraception
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West Virginia House Bill 5119, introduced on February 3, 2026, aims to establish a right to contraception for individuals within the state. The bill is sponsored by Delegate Young and currently resides in the House Health and Human Resources Committee.
The legislation proposes to amend the West Virginia Code by creating a new article that defines contraception and its related terms, ensuring that individuals can obtain and use contraceptives without restrictions. It emphasizes that healthcare providers have the right to provide contraception and related information, while prohibiting state or local laws that could impede access to these services.
The bill also allows individuals and entities adversely affected by violations of this act to seek legal recourse. This includes actions that the Attorney General can take on behalf of the state against violators. The overarching goal of House Bill 5119 is to protect and ensure the rights related to contraception for all residents of West Virginia.
```Reproductive health and fertility; creating the Reproductive Empowerment and Support Through Optimal Restoration (RESTORE) Act. Effective date.
Oklahoma Senate Bill 1941, introduced in the 2026 regular session, aims to create the Reproductive Empowerment and Support Through Optimal Restoration (RESTORE) Act. This bill focuses on reproductive health and fertility issues.
The bill is currently in the legislative process and has been referred to the Health and Human Services Committee, then to the Appropriations Committee for further review and discussion.
This legislation represents a partisan effort, primarily supported by Republican sponsors. As of now, the bill's status remains at the "Introduced" stage, indicating it has yet to pass any legislative votes.
Establishes the Rhode Island Maternal Health Improvement and Equity Act of 2026, to establish permanent statewide support for maternal health and to implement the maternal health strategic plan improving maternal health care and access.
The Rhode Island Maternal Health Improvement and Equity Act of 2026, known as Senate Bill 2358, aims to enhance maternal health care across the state. This legislation seeks to establish lasting statewide support for maternal health and implement a strategic plan designed to improve access to maternal health services.
The bill was introduced on January 30, 2026, and has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration. It has Democratic sponsorship and reflects a commitment to address maternal health issues in Rhode Island.
Establishes the New York state abortion clinical training program within the department of health for the purpose of training health care practitioners in the performance of abortion and related reproductive health care services; requires the commissioner
New York Senate Bill 1438 aims to establish a statewide abortion clinical training program under the Department of Health. The purpose of this program is to train health care practitioners in performing abortion services and related reproductive health care.
The bill highlights a pressing need for more trained providers due to an increase in demand for abortion care, while the number of practitioners available to perform these services is declining. Many regions in New York lack access to abortion care, especially for pregnancies over fifteen weeks, necessitating travel to other locations or even out-of-state for treatment.
The proposed legislation will create structured training opportunities for health care professionals, thereby enhancing access to reproductive health care in New York and supporting individuals' rights to health and privacy. It also mandates the Commissioner of Health to submit a report to the governor and the legislature regarding the program's progress.
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