US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB116

Introduced
1/9/23  
Refer
1/9/23  

Caption

Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements for physicians who perform abortions and abortion clinics. Specifically, the bill requires a physician who performs an abortion (1) to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital; and (2) at the time of the abortion, to notify the patient of the hospital location where the patient can receive follow-up care if complications arise. A physician who fails to comply is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both. A woman who undergoes an abortion may not be prosecuted. The bill also requires an abortion clinic, in order to receive federal funds or assistance, to (1) be licensed by the state in which it is located, and (2) be in compliance with federal standards for ambulatory surgical centers.

Impact

The bill imposes significant regulatory measures that, if enacted, would create additional hurdles for women seeking abortions as well as for clinics providing these services. Abortion clinics must be state-licensed and adhere to federal standards applicable to ambulatory surgery centers to qualify for federal funds or assistance. While proponents may argue that these measures are intended to enhance patient safety, critics contend that these regulations may disproportionately affect access to abortion services, particularly in underserved areas.

Summary

House Bill 116, entitled the 'Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act of 2023', aims to establish specific requirements for physicians and abortion clinics performing abortions across the United States. The legislation mandates that physicians must possess admitting privileges at a hospital within 15 miles of their primary medical office where the abortion is performed. Furthermore, physicians are required to inform patients about the location of the hospital for potential follow-up care in case of complications stemming from the abortion. Non-compliance with these requirements could result in severe penalties including fines and imprisonment up to two years for offending physicians.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HB 116 indicate a clear division among lawmakers and advocacy groups with strong opinions on both sides. Proponents of the bill claim that it prioritizes women's health by ensuring that qualified medical professionals oversee abortion procedures. In contrast, opponents argue that these restrictions represent an infringement on women's reproductive rights and could lead to the closure of clinics, thereby limiting access to necessary services. Moreover, the requirement for physicians to have admitting privileges could create practical challenges, particularly in regions with fewer hospital options.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB78

Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act of 2025This bill establishes requirements for physicians who perform abortions and abortion clinics.Specifically, the bill requires a physician who performs an abortion (1) to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital; and (2) at the time of the abortion, to notify the patient of the hospital location where the patient can receive follow-up care if complications arise.A physician who fails to comply is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both. A woman who undergoes an abortion may not be prosecuted.The bill also requires an abortion clinic, in order to receive federal funds or assistance, to (1) be licensed by the state in which it is located, and (2) be in compliance with federal standards for ambulatory surgical centers.

US SB125

End Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Providers ActThis bill prohibits federal funding for entities, or their affiliates, that perform abortions, provide referrals for abortions, or provide funding to others that perform abortions. It provides exceptions for abortions (1) in the case of rape or incest, or (2) when a physician certifies there is a danger of death to the woman without an abortion. The bill’s prohibition applies to any federal statutory law adopted after the bill’s effective date, unless such law contains an explicit exemption. 

US HB175

Heartbeat Protection Act of 2023 This bill makes it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion (1) without determining whether the unborn child has a detectable heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or (3) after determining that a unborn child has a detectable heartbeat. A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. The bill provides an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical (but not psychological or emotional) disorder, illness, or condition. It also provides exceptions for certain pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest. A physician who performs or attempts to perform an abortion under an exception must comply with specified requirements. A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.

US HB128

Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2023 This bill restricts federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. or any of its affiliates or clinics for one year. Specifically, it prohibits funding those entities unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide funds to entities that perform, abortions during that year. If the certification requirement is not met, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must recoup any federal assistance received by those entities. However, the bill's funding restriction does not apply to abortions performed in cases of rape or incest or when necessary to resolve a physical condition that endangers a woman's life. The bill also provides additional funding for community health centers for the one-year period. These funds are subject to the same abortion-related restrictions and exceptions.

US HB7

No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2023 This bill modifies provisions relating to federal funding for, and health insurance coverage of, abortions. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions or for health coverage that includes abortions. Such restrictions extend to the use of funds in the budget of the District of Columbia. Additionally, abortions may not be provided in a federal health care facility or by a federal employee. Historically, language has been included in annual appropriations bills for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions—such language is commonly referred to as the Hyde Amendment. Similar language is also frequently included in appropriations bills for other federal agencies and the District of Columbia. The bill makes these restrictions permanent and extends the restrictions to all federal funds (rather than specific agencies). The bill's restrictions regarding the use of federal funds do not apply in cases of rape, incest, or where a physical disorder, injury, or illness endangers a woman's life unless an abortion is performed. The Hyde Amendment provides the same exceptions. The bill also prohibits qualified health plans from including coverage for abortions. Currently, qualified health plans may cover abortion, but the portion of the premium attributable to abortion coverage is not eligible for subsidies.

US HB799

Parental Notification and Intervention Act of 2025This bill restricts the performance of an abortion on an unemancipated minor under 18 years of age.Specifically, it prohibits a person or organization from performing, facilitating, or assisting with an abortion on an unemancipated minor without first complying with certain requirements, including parental notification and a 96-hour waiting period.It establishes penalties—a fine, up to one year in prison, or both—for each willful violation.A parent who is required to be notified of an abortion of an unemancipated minor may sue in federal court to prohibit the abortion.Parental notification requirements may be waived in a medical emergency or in a case of physical abuse.

US HF775

A bill for an act relating to medication abortions including required informed consent and the dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs to patients within the state.(Formerly HSB 186.)

US SSB3115

A bill for an act relating to abortions including informed consent, dispensing abortion-inducing drugs, and reporting abortion-inducing drug complications.

US HSB186

A bill for an act relating to medication abortions including required informed consent and the dispensing of abortion-inducing drugs to patients within the state.(See HF 775.)

US HSB704

A bill for an act relating to abortions including informed consent, dispensing abortion-inducing drugs, and reporting abortion-inducing drug complications.(See HF 2563, HF 2788.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.