SB438 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Greg J. Reed

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Abortions, ectopic pregnancies excluded from definition of "abortion" when used in Code of Alabama 1975 and the Alabama Administrative Code, certain requirements relating to probable post-fertilization age clarified

Summary

SB438 would limit post-fertilization age determinations to abortions, exclude ectopic pregnancies from the abortion definition unless explicitly stated, and restrict related reporting to abortion procedures.

What This Bill Does

It would require physicians to not determine the probable post-fertilization age for any procedure other than an abortion. It would ensure that reporting of fetal deaths and pregnancy terminations only requires the probable post-fertilization age for abortion procedures. It would define abortion to exclude ectopic pregnancy terminations unless the law explicitly states otherwise. The changes apply to the Code of Alabama 1975 and the Alabama Administrative Code and take effect immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Physicians and other healthcare providers: no longer required to determine probable post-fertilization age for non-abortion procedures; age reporting requirements apply only to abortion procedures.
• Pregnant individuals and families: the classification of abortion versus ectopic pregnancy terminations may affect how certain cases are reported and treated under state rules.

Key Provisions

• Section 1 defines ectopic pregnancy as a fertilized egg implanted outside the uterus or in the cornu of the uterus.
• Section 2 states that the term 'abortion' shall not include termination of an ectopic pregnancy unless expressly stated.
• Section 3 clarifies that the requirement to determine probable post-fertilization age applies only to abortion procedures, and the reporting requirements for fetal deaths and pregnancy terminations apply only to abortion procedures.
• Section 4 establishes immediate effectiveness 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

Health