HB360 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Abortion, redefined, disclosures and information increased, Secs. 26-23A-3, 26-23A-4, 26-23A-5 am'd.

Summary

HB360 redefines abortion-related terms and imposes extensive pre-abortion disclosures and ultrasound/heartbeat information requirements in Alabama.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Alabama law to redefine abortion and related terms and adds new definitions. It requires expanded information to be disclosed before an abortion, including printed materials about available assistance, adoption, the unborn child, and a state website with resources. It also requires ultrasound viewing before the procedure, details about gestational age and viability, and an opportunity to hear the fetal heartbeat for certain pregnancies, along with broader consent and record-keeping requirements. Additionally, the Department of Public Health must publish and maintain informational materials and a public website, and abortion providers must retain documentation for several years.

Who It Affects

• Pregnant women seeking abortion: must receive expanded disclosures, view ultrasound, and may hear the heartbeat; must sign consent forms and cannot be forced to abort; records must be kept for several years.
• Abortion providers and public health officials: must deliver the required information, perform ultrasound viewing, facilitate heartbeat access, maintain records, and the Department of Public Health must publish materials and maintain a website with information.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Redefines key terms in the abortion chapter, including abortion, conception, gestational age, medical emergency, unborn child, minor, qualified person, and qualified technician, and adds definitions such as stable internet website and viable fetus.
• Provision 2: Expands informed-consent and disclosure requirements before abortion, including 24/48-hour notices with printed materials, in-person or mailed information, ultrasound viewing and description, heartbeat hearing options, Rh immune globulin information, rights to refuse, lists of providers, and mandatory record-keeping for at least four years; additionally, the Department of Public Health must provide materials and maintain a website with such information.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Health