SB201 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Abortions, health insurance coverage of elective abortions, prohibited, exceptions, Abortion Coverage Prohibition Act

Summary

This bill would require private health insurance in Alabama to cover elective abortions only if the policyholder buys a separate rider and pays an extra premium.

What This Bill Does

It prohibits coverage for elective abortions unless an optional rider with an additional premium is purchased. It defines elective abortion as any abortion for reasons other than a spontaneous abortion or to prevent the death of the woman. It applies to a broad range of health insurance contracts and plans in Alabama, including insurers, nonprofit health service providers, group and blanket plans, HMOs, and self-insured employers. It also states that the bill does not create a right to abortion or legalize abortion and includes severability and an effective-date provision.

Who It Affects

• Individual policyholders who want elective abortion coverage would need to buy an optional rider with an added premium.
• Health insurers and related organizations (insurers, nonprofit health service corporations, group/blanket insurers, HMOs) and self-insured employer plans would have to offer elective abortion coverage only through a rider with an additional premium.

Key Provisions

• Elective abortion coverage is allowed only if the insured purchases an optional rider and pays an added premium.
• Elective abortion is defined as an abortion for any reason other than spontaneous abortion or to prevent the death of the woman.
• The requirement applies to most types of health coverage under Alabama law, including various insurers and self-insured employers.
• The act does not create a right to abortion or legalize abortion, and includes severability, plus an effective-date provision.
• The Legislature may appoint members to intervene in constitutional challenges to the act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Abortion