Women's Health Legislation
The latest news on laws that impact women’s health — stay informed on what’s happening now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Statutory right to contraception.
Wisconsin Senate Bill 589 aims to establish a statutory right to access contraception. This bill is classified as a partisan initiative, sponsored by Democrats with unanimous support from the party.
As of October 24, 2025, the bill has been introduced and is currently under review by the Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs. It represents a significant move towards ensuring reproductive rights in Wisconsin.
The bill is in its early stages and has yet to be debated or voted on in the legislature. Advocates are likely to support this measure as part of broader efforts to protect access to reproductive health services.
Regulate midwifery, birth centers; designate Day of the Midwife
Ohio House Bill 537 aims to establish regulations for midwifery and birth centers in the state. It intends to provide a framework for the professional practice of midwives and the operation of birth centers, ensuring safety and quality standards in maternal care.
Additionally, the bill designates a specific day as "Day of the Midwife" to recognize and celebrate the contributions of midwives to health care and childbirth.
The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to the Committee on Children and Human Services. It shows bipartisan support, with sponsorship primarily from Republican members.
Health care coverage: prescription hormone therapy and nondiscrimination.
California Senate Bill 418, introduced by Senator Menjivar, aims to enhance healthcare coverage related to prescription hormone therapy and ensure non-discrimination protections in health insurance. The bill was passed by the Senate and Assembly and was enrolled on September 16, 2025.
This legislation requires health plans to cover up to a 12-month supply of FDA-approved hormone therapy when prescribed by a network provider. It also includes provisions for Medi-Cal, ensuring that eligible individuals can access this necessary treatment without being limited by utilization controls that would restrict their supply to less than a year.
Additionally, SB 418 prohibits discrimination by health insurance providers based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, including gender identity and intersex traits. It strengthens protections against exclusion from coverage and ensures that no individual is denied benefits or subjected to unfair treatment based on these characteristics.
Despite its passage through the legislature, the bill was ultimately vetoed by the Governor on October 13, 2025, and is pending further consideration.