SB20 Alabama 2012 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Shadrack McGill
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2012
Title: Abortions, health insurance coverage of elective abortions, prohibited, exceptions, Abortion Coverage Prohibition Act
Summary: SB20 would restrict health insurance coverage of elective abortions in Alabama by requiring a separate rider with an extra premium.
What This Bill Does
It bans coverage for elective abortions in health insurance plans unless the policyholder purchases an optional rider and pays an additional premium. The rider-based coverage would apply to a broad range of plans and entities, including health insurers, nonprofit organizations, group and blanket policies, health maintenance organizations, and self-insured employers. The act clarifies that it does not create a right to abortion and becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects
Individuals who have health insurance in Alabama; elective abortion coverage would require purchasing a separate rider and paying extra, or would be unavailable for that coverage.
Employers, insurers, and other plan sponsors (including those with self-insured employee health benefits); they would need to implement the rider option and manage additional premiums and administrative requirements.

Key Provisions
The bill is titled the Abortion Coverage Prohibition Act.
No coverage for elective abortions may be provided unless the policyholder purchases an optional rider with an additional premium.
Elective abortion is defined as any abortion for reasons other than spontaneous abortion or to prevent the death of the woman.
The act applies to a wide range of plans and entities, including health insurers, nonprofit health service organizations, group and blanket policies, HMOs, and self-insured employers.
The bill does not create a right to abortion and is not intended to legalize abortion that is currently unlawful.
Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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