PA002 Legislation

Student Name

University

NURS 6050 Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health

Prof. Name

Date

Health-related Bill Name/Bill #: Human Life Protection Act, HB 314

Description

Bill HB 314, known as the Human Life Protection Act, imposes a ban on abortions and attempted abortions throughout all stages of pregnancy within the state of Alabama, constituting a felony offense upon violation. Certain exemptions are delineated within the bill.

Federal or State?

State of Alabama

Legislative Intent

The legislative intent of the Human Life Protection Act, Bill HB 314, is to safeguard all forms of life, inclusive of unborn children. Under HB 314, fetuses are categorized as persons (HB 314, 2019). Those who undertake or attempt abortions without exemption are subject to felony charges.

NURS 6050 Assessment 2 PA002 Legislation

Exceptions to this bill comprise instances where the continuation of the pregnancy poses health risks to the pregnant woman, cases of lethal fetal anomalies, instances where the pregnant woman is afflicted with a mental illness posing a lethal threat to either herself or the fetus, ectopic pregnancies, or miscarriages necessitating a procedure for fetal removal (HB 314, 2019).

Proponents/Opponents

Proponents advocating for this bill include a significant portion of the Republican party, Republican Governor Kay Ivey, House sponsor Terri Collins, and Senate Sponsor Clyde Chambliss. Conversely, the bill has encountered staunch opposition from Democratic politicians and a minority of Republican politicians.

Target Population

This bill primarily targets pregnant women and medical practitioners who perform or attempt abortions.

Status of the Bill

The Human Life Protection Act was ratified into law on May 15, 2019; however, its implementation has been deferred owing to a preliminary injunction contested by District Judge Myron Thompson (HB 314, 2019). The bill remains a subject of extensive press coverage from opposing factions and is persistently challenged by activists.

General Notes/Comments

N/A

References

Bill HB 314, 2019, Alabama, Reg. Sess. (AL, 2019)

PA002 Legislation