State
Briefs
Bioethics in Law & Culture Spring 2022 vol. 5 issue 2
A summary of state legislation - January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022
Joe Kral, M.A.
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Alabama
Abortion Pill Ban:
February 23, 2022 – The Alabama House Judiciary Committee passed a bill that prohibits the sale and/or dispensation of the abortion pill. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
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Arizona
Abortion Pill Ban:
February 24, 2022 – The Arizona House defeated HB 2811. The bill could not muster a majority Floor vote. The pill would prohibit the sale and/or dispensation of the abortion pill.
Late-Term Abortion Ban (15-weeks):
February 3, 2022 – The Arizona Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 1164, 5-3. The bill mandates that abortions are prohibited after 15-weeks gestation. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
February 15, 2022 – The Arizona Senate passed SB 1164. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
March 9, 2022 – The House Judiciary Committee passed SB 1164, 6-4. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
March 24, 2022 – The Arizona House passed SB 1164. The bill now proceeds to Governor Doug Ducey for either his signature or veto.
March 30, 2022 – Governor Doug Ducey signed SB 1164 into law.
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Arkansas
Pro-Life Pregnancy Center Public Funding:
March 3, 2022 – The Arkansas House passed SB 102, 75-19. The bill provides $1 million in state funds to be provided to pro-life pregnancy centers within the state. The bill now proceeds to Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s desk for either his signature or veto.
Pro-Life City/County Resolution:
February 1, 2022 – The City of Tontitown, Arkansas passed a “Pro-Life City Resolution”. The resolution, while not a binding law, officially recognizes the humanity of the unborn child from the moment of conception. The city may place signs declaring itself to be pro-life.
February 8, 2022 – The City of Marshall, Arkansas passed a “Pro-Life City Resolution”. The resolution, while not a binding law, officially recognizes the humanity of the unborn child from the moment of conception. The city may place signs declaring itself to be pro-life.
February 14, 2022 – Searcy County, Arkansas passed a “Pro-Life County Resolution”. The resolution, while not a binding law, officially recognizes the humanity of the unborn child from the moment of conception. The county may place signs declaring itself to be pro-life.
February 28, 2022 – Carroll, County passed a “Pro-Life County Resolution”. The resolution, while not a binding law, officially recognizes the humanity of the unborn child from the moment of conception. The county may place signs declaring itself to be pro-life.
March 7, 2022 – Newton, County passed a “Pro-Life County Resolution”. The resolution, while not a binding law, officially recognizes the humanity of the unborn child from the moment of conception. The county may place signs declaring itself to be pro-life.
March 8, 2022 – Boone, County passed a “Pro-Life County Resolution”. The resolution, while not a binding law, officially recognizes the humanity of the unborn child from the moment of conception. The county may place signs declaring itself to be pro-life.
March 7, 2022 – Leslie, Arkansas passed a “Pro-Life City Resolution”. The resolution, while not a binding law, officially recognizes the humanity of the unborn child from the moment of conception. The city may place signs declaring itself to be pro-life.
March 10, 2022 – Western Grove, Arkansas passed a “Pro-Life City Resolution”. The resolution, while not a binding law, officially recognizes the humanity of the unborn child from the moment of conception. The city may place signs declaring itself to be pro-life.
March 17, 2022 – Jasper, Arkansas passed a “Pro-Life City Resolution”. The resolution, while not a binding law, officially recognizes the humanity of the unborn child from the moment of conception. The city may place signs declaring itself to be pro-life.
March 21, 2022 – Madison, County passed a “Pro-Life County Resolution”. The resolution, while not a binding law, officially recognizes the humanity of the unborn child from the moment of conception. The county may place signs declaring itself to be pro-life.
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California
Abortion Insurance Coverage:
March 17, 2022 – The California Assembly passed SB 245 that would eliminate out-of-pocket costs on private insurance programs. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
March 22, 2022 – California Governor Gavin Newsome has signed SB 245.
Abortion Resolution:
February 18, 2022 – The City Council of Pasadena, California passed a resolution declaring its support for abortion on demand.
Assisted Suicide:
February 22, 2022 – A group of doctors filed suit against California stating that the state’s assisted suicide law forces them to violate their religious beliefs by forcing them to promote assisted suicide.
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Colorado
Right to Abortion:
March 10, 2022 – The Colorado House Health and Insurance Committee passed HB 1279. The bill would deny any rights to any unborn child regardless of gestational age. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
March 14, 2022 – The Colorado House passed HB 1279. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
March 21, 2022 – The Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee passed HB 1279, 3-2. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 23, 2022 – The Colorado Senate passed HB 1279. The bill now proceeds to Governor Jared Polis for either his signature or veto.
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Connecticut
Assisted Suicide:
March 4, 2022 – The Connecticut General Assembly Public Health Committee passed RB 88. The bill would allow for physician assisted suicide if the patient has been determined to have less than six months left to live. Four witnesses would have to watch the patient sign a declaration of intent. The bill now proceeds to the General Assembly Floor for consideration.
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Delaware
Assisted Suicide:
January 19, 2022 – The Delaware House Health & Human Development Committee passed HB 140, 8-7. The bill would legalize assisted suicide. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
Humane Fetal Disposition:
January 11, 2022 – Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has filed suit against the City of Seaford’s ordinance that mandates that abortion clinics must either bury or cremate the aborted remains of unborn children.
Non-Physician Abortion:
March 16, 2022 – The Delaware House Health & Human Development Committee passed a bill that would allow Physician Assistants and Advances Nurse Practitioners to prescribe the abortion pill to pregnant mothers seeking an abortion. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
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Florida
Late-Term Abortion Ban (15-weeks):
January 19, 2022 – The Florida House Professions and Public Health Subcommittee passed HB 5, 12-6, that would ban abortions after 15-weeks gestation. The bill must proceed to another subcommittee.
January 27, 2022 – The Florida House Health & Appropriations Subcommittee passed HB 5, 10-2. The bill now proceeds to the House Health and Human Resources Committee for consideration.
February 1, 2022 – The Florida Senate Health and Policy Committee passed SB 146, 6-4. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
February 10, 2022 – The Florida House Health and Human Services Committee passed HB 5. The bill now moves the House Floor for consideration.
February 17, 2022 – The Florida House passed HB 5. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
February 21, 2022 – The Senate Appropriations Committee passed HB 5. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 3, 2022 – The Florida Senate passed HB 5. The bill now goes to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk for either his signature or veto.
Waiting Period (24-Hours):
March 23, 2022 – Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey reversed an earlier order that enjoined the state’s waiting period law. The law stipulates that a woman, 24 hours prior to her abortion is to be given state mandated information. The waiting time had been enjoined. The law is now in effect.
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Georgia
TeleMed Abortion Ban:
February 9, 2022 – The Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed SB 456. The bill mandates that abortion pills must be provided to a woman in person and determined to be pregnant by a doctor in person. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 1, 2022 – The Georgia Senate passed SB 456. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
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Hawaii
Non-Physician Performing Abortion:
February 14, 2022 – The Hawaii Senate Health Committee passed SB 2282, 4-1. The bill would amend current law to allow advanced practice registered nurses to perform late-term abortions (second trimester and beyond). The bill now proceeds to another Senate Committee for consideration.
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Idaho
Fetal Heartbeat Bill:
January 31, 2021 – The Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee did not pass the Fetal Heartbeat Bill. The bill was defeated on a tie vote. The bill was modeled after the Texas law, so it had a private enforcement mechanism.
February 16, 2022 – The Idaho Senate State Affairs passed SB 1309, a Texas-Model Fetal Heartbeat Bill. The bill would prohibit abortions on an unborn child once a heartbeat is detected (usually 6-weeks gestation). The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 3, 2022 – The Idaho Senate passed SB 1309, 28-6. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.
March 9, 2022 – The House State Affairs Committee passed SB 1309. The bill now goes to the House Floor for consideration.
March 14, 2022 – The Idaho House passed SB 1309, 51-14. The bill now goes to Governor Brad Little for either his signature or veto.
March 23, 2022 – Governor Brad Little signed SB 1309 into law.
March 30, 2022 – Planned Parenthood has filed suit against the law.
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Illinois
Abortionist Medical License:
March 31, 2022 – The Illinois House passed HB 1464. The bill would prohibit the state from revoking the license from an abortionist if being disciplined for medically harmful actions in another state. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
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Indiana
Coercive Abortion Ban:
February 22, 2022 – The Indiana Senate passed HB 1217, 38-10. The bill prohibits the abortion upon a person by coercive practices. Information is to be given to the women immediately about protected services and it must also be reported immediately to law enforcement. The bill now proceeds to the House for its members to concur with the changes made in the Senate.
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Iowa
Coercive Abortion Ban:
February 9, 2022 – The Iowa House Judiciary Committee passed HF 2206. The bill prohibits the abortion upon a person by coercive practices. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
TeleMed Abortion Ban:
February 9, 2022 – The Iowa House Human Resources Committee passed HF 2119. The bill mandates that abortion pills must be provided to a woman in person and determined to be pregnant by a doctor in person. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
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Kentucky
Late-Term Abortion Ban (15-Weeks):
March 10, 2022 – The Kentucky Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 321. The bill would prohibit the abortion of an unborn child after 15 weeks gestation. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 29, 2022 – The Kentucky Senate passed SB 321. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
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TeleMed Abortion Ban:
February 28, 2022 – The Kentucky House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee passed HB 3. The bill requires a woman to make in-person visits to a doctor’s office in order to obtain the abortion pill. The bill would prohibit video visits and mail-in abortion pills. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
March 2, 2022 – The Kentucky House passed HB 3. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
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Louisiana
Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance:
March 24, 2022 – The City of Pollock, Louisiana passed a Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance. The ordinance would make it illegal for anyone to perform, procure, aid, or abet in an abortion within the city. The city has two mechanisms of enforcement. The city cannot enforce until Roe has been overturned. However, a private citizen may sue those who violate the law.
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Maryland
Constitutional Right to Abortion:
March 11, 2022 – The Maryland House passed HB 1171, 93-42. The bill would amend the state constitution to recognize a so-called right to abortion. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
March 25, 2022 – The Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson stated he will not move forward with HB 1171.
Non-Physician Abortion:
March 28, 2022 – The Maryland Senate passed SB 890. The bill will allow nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and physician assistants to perform abortions within the state. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
March 30, 2022 – The Maryland Senate passed HB 937 (identical to SB 890). The bill now proceeds to Governor Larry Hogan for either his signature or veto.
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Michigan
Fetal Body Parts:
February 9, 2022 – The Michigan House passed HBs 5558 and 5559, 55-51. The bills, taken together, would prohibit the sale or donation of fetal body parts or tissues. The bill now proceeds the Senate for consideration.
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Missouri
Defunding the Abortion Industry:
January 27, 2022 – The Missouri House Government Oversight Committee passed HB 1854. The bill would disqualify abortion businesses and their affiliates from receiving state Medicaid funds. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
February 23, 2022 – The Missouri Senate passed a budget bill, 25-7, that would defund the abortion industry. The bill appropriates no Medicaid to any entity associated with the abortion industry. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
March 29, 2022 – The Missouri House passed HB 2012. The bill would defund the abortion business by appropriating zero dollars for them in the state Medicaid program. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
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Montana
Physician Only Requirement:
February 25, 2022 – Montana District Court Judge Mike Menahan ruled that the state’s abortion physician only requirement was unconstitutional. This means that non-physicians, such as nurses and mid-wives, may perform abortions within the state.
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Nebraska
Abortion Trigger Ban:
March 25, 2022 – The Nebraska unicameral legislature voted to pull LB 933 out of the Judiciary Committee, 28-13, and bring the bill to the legislative Floor. The bill, if signed, would go into effect banning abortions immediately when Roe is overturned. The bill still needs to be voted on by the legislature.
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New Hampshire
Defunding Abortion:
January 12, 2022 – The New Hampshire Executive Council voted to reject contracts with Planned Parenthood and other abortion industries that would have totaled over 1 million dollars.
Late Term Abortion Exceptions/Ultrasound Repeal:
February 17, 2022 – The New Hampshire House passed HB 1609. The bill would amend the existing late-term abortion law (24 weeks) to include exceptions for rape, incest, and fetal abnormalities. The bill would also repeal the ultrasound requirement for any abortion. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
March 31, 2022 – The New Hampshire House passed a new version of HB 1609 which only includes a fatal fetal diagnosis exception. The bill also waters down the existing ultrasound law so that the ultrasound requirement only occurs at roughly 24-weeks gestation. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
Ultrasound Law:
February 3, 2022 – The New Hampshire Senate voted to weaken the current Ultrasound Law which requires an ultrasound before an abortion. The amended version mandates that the ultrasound only take place at the 24-week gestational mark. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
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New Jersey
Codifying Roe:
January 6, 2022 – Both the New Jersey Senate Human Services Committee and the Assembly Appropriations Committee passed their respective versions of the Reproductive Freedom Act. Both measures would legalize abortion for any reason up until birth. The bills now move to their respective chamber floors for consideration.
January 10, 2022 – The New Jersey Legislature passed the Reproductive Freedom Act. The bill now goes to Governor Phil Murphy for either his signature or veto.
January 13, 2022 – Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill into law.
Ohio
Abortionist Variance Requirement:
February 25, 2022 – The ACLU and Planned Parenthood have filed suit against the state’s law that mandate that physicians who teach at public institutions cannot be contracted to be abortionists within the state. The purpose of the law was to prohibit state funds, in any manner, from being used to provide for abortions.
Humane Disposition Law:
January 7, 2022 – The ACLU filed suit against the state’s Humane Fetal Disposition Law. The law mandates that the remains of an aborted child must be either buried or cremated.
February 1, 2022 – US District Court Judge Alison Hatheway issued an injunction against Ohio’s Humane Fetal Disposition law. The law is blocked from enforcement.
Oklahoma
Constitutional Amendment (No Right to Abortion):
February 21, 2022 – The Oklahoma Senate Health & Human Services Committee passed SJR 37. The resolution would amend the state constitution and reads that “nothing in the Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion.” The resolution now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 10, 2022 – The Senate passed SJR 37. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
Early-Term Abortion Ban (30-Days):
February 21, 2022 – The Oklahoma Senate Health & Human Services Committee passed SB 1553, a bill that would ban abortion after 30 days from the pregnant mother’s last menstrual cycle. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 10, 2022 – The Oklahoma Senate passed SB 1553. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
Fetal Heartbeat Bill:
February 21, 2022 – The Oklahoma Senate Health & Human Services Committee passed SB 1503, a Texas-Model Fetal Heartbeat Bill. The bill would prohibit abortions on an unborn child once a heartbeat is detected (usually 6-weeks gestation). The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 2, 2022 – The Oklahoma House Public Health Committee passed HB 4327. The bill is identical to SB 1503. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
March 10, 2022 – The Senate passed SB 1503. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
Pro-Life Enforcement Mechanism Abortion Ban:
March 22, 2022 – The Oklahoma House passed HB 4327, 78-19. The bill uses a pro-life private enforcement mechanism to ban abortion. Enforcement will be left up to the citizens through the use of lawsuits. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
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Oregon:
Assisted Suicide:
March 28, 2022 – The Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Medical Board agreed to settlement in the US District Court in Portland to stop enforcing the residency requirement of the assisted suicide law and has asked the Legislature to repeal it.
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South Carolina
Abortion Pill Reversal Information Act:
January 26, 2022 – The South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee passed SB 907. The bill mandates that women be given information prior to having a chemical abortion (abortion pill) that the process can potentially be reversed. The bill now proceeds to full committee for consideration.
March 3, 2022 – Due to a lack of quorum in the Senate Medical Affairs Committee, SB 907 was defeated.
March 10, 2022 – The subcommittee for the House Judiciary Committee passed HB 4568. The bill mandates that women be given information prior to having a chemical abortion (abortion pill) that the process can potentially be reversed. The bill now proceeds to full committee for consideration.
March 10, 2022 – The Senate voted to pull SB 907 out of committee.
March 11, 2022 – The House Judiciary Committee passed 4568, 3-1. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
Abortion Trigger Ban:
January 26, 2022 – The South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee passed SB 988. The bill mandates that when Roe is overturned abortion will be prohibited within the state. The bill now proceeds to full committee for consideration.
March 3, 2022 – Due to a lack of quorum in the Senate Medical Affairs Committee, SB 988 was defeated.
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Fetal Heartbeat Law:
February 22, 2022 – The US Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district court’s ruling that temporarily blocked enforcement of the state’s Fetal Heartbeat Law.
March 8, 2022 – Governor Henry McMaster has filed for an en banc hearing at the US Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the ruling that allows the temporary block of enforcement of the state’s Fetal Heartbeat Law.
South Dakota
Abortion Pill Ban:
February 22, 2022 – The South Dakota House passed HB 1208. The bill prohibits the sale and/or dispensation of the abortion pill. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
Commercial Surrogacy Ban:
February 14, 2022 – The South Dakota House State Affairs Committee passed HB 1311. The bill would prohibit commercial surrogacy within the state. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
February 17, 2022 – The South Dakota House defeated HB 1311, 38-29.
Constitutional Amendment – Defining the Moment of Human Existence:
February 16, 2022 – The House State Affairs Committee passed HJR 5003. The resolution seeks to add language to the state constitution that would define the term "human being" to mean "each member of the species homo sapiens, at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization or cloning, or other moment at which a member of the species comes into being." The resolution now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
Telemed Abortion Ban:
January 6, 2022 – A South Dakota Legislative Interim Committee approved rules brought forth by the state’s Department of Health that would mandate that the abortion pill must be prescribed in person.
January 19, 2022 – The ACLU and Planned Parenthood have filed suit against the new rules. The rules are set to take effect January 27, 2022.
January 26, 2022 – US District Judge Karen Schreier issued an order that temporarily blocks the new rules from going into effect.
February 8, 2022 – US District Court Judge Karen Schreier extended her order that blocks the rules from going into effect.
February 22, 2022 – The House Health and Human Services Committee passed HB 1318. The bill requires a woman to make three visits to a doctor’s office in order to obtain the abortion pill. The bill would prohibit video visits and mail-in abortion pills. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
February 23, 2022 – The South Dakota House passed HB 1318. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
February 28, 2022 – The South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed HB 1318, unanimously. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 2, 2022 – The South Dakota Senate passed HB 1308. The bill now goes to Governor Kristi Noem’s desk for either her signature or veto.
March 23, 2022 – Governor Kristi Noem signed HB 1308.
Tennessee
Abortion Pill Reversal Information Act:
March 1, 2022 – The Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 2281. The bill would mandate that information be given to a woman taking the abortion pill be given information about potentially reversing the effects of it. The bill would also mandate that the abortionist schedule follow-up visits with the woman seven to fourteen days after the pills have been consumed. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
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Eugenic Abortion Ban (Down Syndrome):
February 1, 2022 – The US Sixth Court of Appeals has ruled that Tennessee’s Eugenic Abortion Ban that prohibits the abortion of unborn children diagnosed with Down syndrome can go into effect. The court has also indicated that it will not make a final ruling until the US Supreme Court makes a final ruling on the Dobbs case.
Local Government Funding Ban:
March 24, 2022 – The Tennessee House passed a bill that would prohibit local governments from using public funds to give to abortion providers. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
Pro-Life Enforcement Mechanism Abortion Ban:
March 15, 2022 – The Tennessee House Health Subcommittee passed HB 2779. The bill uses a pro-life private enforcement mechanism to ban abortion. Enforcement will be left up to the citizens through the use of lawsuits. The bill now proceeds to full committee.
Texas
Fetal Heartbeat Law:
January 17, 2022 – The US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the there are certain state law issues that must be ruled upon by the Supreme Court of Texas. So, the case has been remanded there. The law remains in effect.
Sanctuary City for the Unborn:
January 20, 2022 – The City of Alvin rejected a motion to pass a Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance. The ordinance would have made it illegal for anyone to perform, procure, aid, or abet in an abortion within the city. The city has two mechanisms of enforcement. The city cannot enforce until Roe has been overturned. However, a private citizen may sue those who violate the law.
January 20, 2022 – Planned Parenthood dropped its lawsuit against Lubbock’s Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance.
January 24, 2022 – The San Angelo City Clerk certified that enough petition signatures were properly gathered for the Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance be placed on a ballot for the city residents to vote upon. The next step is for the City Council to publish the draft ordinance and hold a public hearing.
February 15, 2022 – The City of Jewett passed a Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance. The ordinance would make it illegal for anyone to perform, procure, aid, or abet in an abortion within the city. The city has two mechanisms of enforcement. The city cannot enforce until Roe has been overturned. However, a private citizen may sue those who violate the law.
March 3, 2022 – The City of San Angelo rejected a proposed Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance. However, enough petition signatures were gathered that the proposed ordinance can be placed on the November 2022 ballot.
March 9, 2022 – The City of Plainview will place the proposed Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance on the November 2022 ballot.
March 22, 2022 – The City of Shallowater passed a Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance. The ordinance would make it illegal for anyone to perform, procure, aid, or abet in an abortion within the city. The city has two mechanisms of enforcement. The city cannot enforce until Roe has been overturned. However, a private citizen may sue those who violate the law.
March 24, 2022 – The City of Lindale passed a Sanctuary City for the Unborn Ordinance. The ordinance would make it illegal for anyone to perform, procure, aid, or abet in an abortion within the city. The city has two mechanisms of enforcement. The city cannot enforce until Roe has been overturned. However, a private citizen may sue those who violate the law.
Utah
Assisted Suicide:
February 15, 2022 – A Utah House Committee defeated HB 74, 9-2. The bill would have allowed physician assisted suicide.
Gestational Agreement:
January 25, 2022 – The Utah House passed HB 51 which would allow unmarried couples to enter into gestational agreements. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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Vermont
Constitutional “Right” to Abortion:
February 8, 2022 – The Vermont House gave final approval, 107-41, to Proposition 5. The proposition would declare abortion a “right” under the state constitution. The proposition now heads to Governor Phil Scott. The proposition will then be placed on the November ballot for voters’ approval or disapproval.
Virginia
Born Alive Infants Protection Act:
February 15, 2022 – The Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 304. The bill mandates that those unborn children born from either a botched abortion or attempted abortion be given the appropriate medical treatment for a child of their gestational age to ensure the safety of the child. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
March 8, 2022 – The Virginia Senate Rules Committee defeated HB 304, 11-4.
Late-Term Abortion Ban (20-weeks):
February 10, 2022 – The Virginia Senate Education and Health Committee defeated SB 710, 9-6. The bill would have prohibited abortion after the twentieth week of gestation.
Unborn Victims of Violence:
February 4, 2022 – The Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee passed SB 122, 8-7. The bill recognizes the fetus as a separate person from the mother. The bill poses criminal penalties for those, through criminal actions, kill the unborn child. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee for consideration.
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Washington
Non-Physician Abortion:
March 17, 2022 – Governor Jay Inslee signed HB 1851. The law will allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to perform abortions.
Pro-Life Private Enforcement Mechanism:
March 17, 2022 – Governor Jay Inslee signed a bill that prohibits the use of a pro-life private enforcement mechanism that would allow private citizens to sue those who either aid in obtaining an abortion or who perform the abortion.
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West Virginia
Eugenic Abortion Ban:
February 24, 2022 – The West Virginia Senate Finance Committee passed SB 468. The bill would prohibit an abortionist from knowingly performing an abortion on a child based on race, gender, or disability. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 14, 2022 – The West Virginia Senate Passed SB 468, 27-5. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
March 14, 2022 – The West Virginia House passed SB 468, 81-17, the very same day. The bill now proceeds to Governor Jim Justice for either his signature or veto.
March 21, 2022 – West Virginia Governor Jim Justice signed SB 468.
Late Term-Abortion Ban:
January 13, 2022 – The West Virginia House Health and Human Resources Committee passed HB 4004 that would ban abortion after 15 weeks gestation. The bill now proceeds to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.
February 10, 2022 – The West Virginia House Judiciary Committee passed HB 4004. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
February 15, 2022 – The West Virginia House passed HB 4004. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
February 25, 2022 – The West Virginia Senate Finance Committee passed SB 468. The bill is identical to HB 4004. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 2, 2022 – The West Virginia Senate passed SB 468, 28-5. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
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Wisconsin
Fetal Heartbeat Bill:
February 12, 2022 – The Wisconsin Senate Government Operations Committee passed a Texas-Model Fetal Heartbeat Bill, SB 923. The bill would prohibit abortions on an unborn child once a heartbeat is detected (usually 6-weeks gestation). The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
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Wyoming
Abortion Pill Ban:
March 2, 2022 – The Wyoming Senate passed SF 83, 20-9. The bill prohibits the sale and/or dispensation of the abortion pill. The bill now proceeds to the House for consideration.
Abortion Trigger Ban:
February 21, 2022 – The Wyoming House, on an introductory vote, voted to send HB 92 to committee. The bill would ban abortion within the state when Roe is overturned.
February 23, 2022 – The Wyoming House Labor Committee passed HB 92. The bill now proceeds to the House Floor for consideration.
March 1, 2022 – The Wyoming House passed HB 92. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.
March 7, 2022 – The Wyoming Senate Labor Committee passed HB 92. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
March 10, 2022 – The Wyoming Senate passed HB 92. The bill goes back to the House for the House to concur with Senate amendments.
March 11, 2022 – The Wyoming House concurred with the Senate changes. The bill now proceeds to Governor Mark Gordon’s desk for either his signature or veto.
March 16, 2022 – Governor Mark Gordon signed HB 92 into law.
Eugenic Abortion Ban:
February 18, 2022 – The Wyoming House, on an introductory vote, voted to send HB 149 to committee. The bill would ban abortions based on race, gender, or disability.
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February 23, 2022 – The Wyoming Senate Labor Committee passed SF 83. It is identical to HB 149. The bill now proceeds to the Senate Floor for consideration.
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