HB489 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Ed Henry
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Terri Collins Richard Baughn Jim Carns Lynn Greer Jim Patterson Margie Wilcox David Sessions Ken Johnson Mike Jones Wayne Johnson Paul W. Lee David Standridge Alan Baker Dickie Drake K.L. Brown Duwayne Bridges Micky Hammon Barry Moore Richard J. Laird Allen Farley Joe Faust Mark Tuggle Dan Williams Mack N. Butler William Roberts Donnie Chesteen Mike Holmes John Merrill Steve McMillan
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Abortions, information required to be provided to a woman prior to abortion, time period increased from 24 hours to 48 hours, Sec. 26-23A-4 am'd.
Summary: HB489 expands the Woman's Right to Know Act by increasing the waiting period for abortion to 48 hours and adding expanded informed-consent, ultrasound viewing, and record-keeping requirements.
What This Bill Does
If enacted, it would require, except in medical emergencies, that abortion not be performed until at least 48 hours after the patient is informed and given the required materials. It requires in-person disclosure of the provider's name, the abortion method and its risks and alternatives, the probable gestational age and fetal characteristics, and it requires an ultrasound before the abortion with the option to view it and a signed acknowledgment. It also requires provision of information about resources and options, viewing rights for related video and ultrasound, information about anti-Rh therapy and its costs, and keeps records (receipts and signed forms) for at least four years, while affirming the patient's right not to be forced to abortion.

Who It Affects
Women seeking abortions in Alabama, who would receive more information, have a longer waiting period, view an ultrasound, and sign consent forms.
Physicians, referring physicians, and abortion facilities, which must provide the information and materials, perform or arrange the ultrasound, obtain signed acknowledgments, and maintain required records.

Key Provisions
Waiting period before abortion increases from 24 to 48 hours (except in medical emergencies).
Requires physician or qualified person to provide printed materials listed in Section 26-23A-5 at least 48 hours before abortion; mailing of materials may be arranged by telephone.
Prior to abortion, requires in-person disclosure of the physician's name, the proposed method, risks and alternatives, and probable gestational age and fetal characteristics; if viable or >19 weeks, informs about viability and life-preserving options.
Requiress an ultrasound before the abortion; patient has the right to view the ultrasound and must sign a form acknowledging whether she viewed it or was offered and declined.
Allows the patient to view the related videotape and ultrasound as described in 26-23A-6.
Provides information about anti-Rh immune globulin therapy and the consequences and costs of refusing it (if Rh negative).
States the patient cannot be forced to have an abortion and may withdraw consent without affecting future care or benefits.
Requires signed receipt of mailed information and signed forms confirming receipt and consent; the facility must retain these records, including the ultrasound, for at least four years.
Effective date: the act becomes law 30 days after passage.

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