Women's Health Legislation
The latest news on laws that impact women’s health — stay informed on what’s happening now.
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.
```Contraception; rights; limits.
Arizona Senate Bill 1396, titled the "Arizona Right to Contraception Act," aims to establish and protect the rights associated with contraception. The bill was introduced on January 26, 2026, and has been assigned to the Senate Rules Committee for review.
The bill defines contraception as any action taken to prevent pregnancy, including various methods such as contraceptives and sterilization procedures. It grants individuals the right to access contraceptives and allows health professionals to provide contraception and related information without restrictions or limitations. This law seeks to ensure that healthcare workers and facilities cannot be singled out or impeded in their ability to provide these services.
Additionally, the bill specifies that it does not permit any state interference with a health professional’s ability to provide contraception, nor does it allow sterilization procedures to take place without the patient's informed consent. Overall, the act emphasizes the importance of accessible contraception and the rights of individuals and healthcare providers in relation to reproductive health.
Relating To Health.
Summary of House Bill 1871 (HI HB1871)
Overview
Hawaii House Bill 1871, introduced in the 2026 legislative session, focuses on improving maternal health care through a pilot program that utilizes remote patient monitoring for women experiencing hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy.Key Definitions
The bill defines key terms such as “eligible participant,” who is a pregnant patient receiving medical assistance; “participating managed care organization,” which administers the program; and “remote monitoring clinical care team,” a group of healthcare professionals who will monitor participants' health data and provide guidance.Program Implementation
The Department of Health will establish and manage the maternal health monitoring pilot program, aiming to include up to 300 eligible participants across various counties. The program will begin operation within 180 days after contracts are signed between managed care organizations and technology vendors.Remote Monitoring Requirements
The technology vendor tasked with implementing the program must ensure that monitoring devices are provided to participants, offer training on their use, and employ a clinical care team to support health tracking and provide necessary medical advice.Funding
The Department of Health will pay participating managed care organizations to administer the pilot program, ensuring funds are used for the program’s operational costs and support services.Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2027, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.
Rhode Island House Bill 7323 aims to mandate that all individual or group health insurance plans, effective from January 1, 2027, must cover FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and other related products. This coverage will extend to the insured individuals as well as their spouses and dependents.
The bill has been introduced and is currently referred to the House Finance Committee. It is sponsored by a group of ten Democratic representatives.
As it is in the early stages of the legislative process, the bill is still awaiting further discussion and voting in the state legislature.
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.
Rhode Island has introduced House Bill 7322, known as the Rhode Island Maternal Health Improvement and Equity Act of 2026. This legislation aims to enhance maternal healthcare across the state and ensure better access to maternal health services.
The bill seeks to establish permanent support for maternal health initiatives and to implement a strategic plan that addresses the improvement of maternal health care. It is sponsored by six Democratic representatives and is currently in its introductory stage, having been referred to the House Finance committee on January 23, 2026.
Prohibits the closure or significant reduction of services of a birthing center without notice, application, financial disclosure, public hearing, and approval by the department of health.
Rhode Island House Bill 7272 seeks to establish regulations regarding the operation of birthing centers. The bill aims to prevent the closure or significant reduction of services at these facilities without proper oversight.
Under the proposed legislation, any closure or major service reduction at a birthing center would require several steps: notice must be provided, an application submitted, financial disclosures made, a public hearing held, and final approval obtained from the Department of Health.
The bill is currently partisan and is primarily sponsored by Democratic members. As of January 23, 2026, it has been introduced and referred to the House Health & Human Services committee for further consideration.
Adopt the Freestanding Birth Center Act
Nebraska Legislative Bill 1234, also known as the Freestanding Birth Center Act, has been introduced during the 2025-2026 legislative session. The bill is currently in the early stages and has been referred to the Health and Human Services Committee for further consideration.
The Freestanding Birth Center Act aims to establish regulations and guidelines for the operation and standards of freestanding birth centers in Nebraska. This legislation is positioned as a nonpartisan effort, reflecting a collaborative approach to enhancing maternal and infant health care options in the state.
As of now, the bill is still in the introduction phase, and no votes or further actions have been recorded. Stakeholders and interested parties can track its progress and access additional details through legislative resources.
Abortion; providers; waiting period; ultrasound
Arizona House Bill 2530, introduced in the 2026 Legislative session, focuses on changes related to abortion providers. The bill amends several existing statutes and aims to set regulations regarding abortion practices in the state.
One of the main components of HB2530 is the introduction of a mandatory waiting period for individuals seeking an abortion. Additionally, the bill requires an ultrasound to be performed before the procedure, which aligns with similar legislative trends in other states aimed at making access to abortions more regulated.
The bill is supported by a group of Democratic representatives and senators, reflecting a partisan approach to the issue. HB2530 has been read in the House and is currently in the introductory phase of the legislative process.
The proposed amendments and requirements in HB2530 highlight the ongoing debates and legal considerations surrounding abortion rights and healthcare regulations in Arizona.