SB333 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Sanford

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Scott Beason

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Childbirth, choice of location and method of child birth, authorized, Sec. 34-19-8 am'd.

Summary

SB333 would let pregnant women plan where and how to give birth and would shield health care providers from liability for complications linked to that choice.

What This Bill Does

It allows a pregnant woman to choose the location (hospital, birthing center, or another location she selects) and the method of childbirth (physician or nurse midwife delivery). Nurse midwives would remain limited to normal childbirth and must notify a physician and operate under their supervision if delivery is not spontaneous. Health care providers who help with the woman's choice in good faith would be immune from lawsuits related to that choice. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage or approval.

Who It Affects

• Pregnant women, who gain the ability to choose the location and method of childbirth.
• Health care providers (physicians, nurse midwives, and other professionals) who participate in or advise on the woman's childbirth choice, who would receive liability immunity; nurse midwives would continue to have certain restrictions requiring physician involvement for non-normal deliveries.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 34-19-8 to allow planned childbirth at a hospital, a birthing center, or a location chosen by the pregnant woman.
• Allows the pregnant woman to choose both the location and the method of childbirth.
• Provides immunity from liability for physicians, nurses, midwives, or other health care providers who, in good faith, participate in or advise on the woman's chosen location or method.
• Maintains nurse midwife restrictions: may attend only normal childbirth and must notify a qualified physician and deliver under physician authorization/supervision if the baby is not delivered spontaneously within a reasonable time.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and 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

Pregnant Woman