HB98 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt Fridy

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

Title

Children, Alabama's commitment to the right to life of unborn children, affirmed, const amend.

Summary

HB98 proposes a constitutional amendment to declare that Alabama recognizes and protects the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, while explicitly denying any right to abortion or to funding abortion under the state Constitution.

What This Bill Does

It would add language to the Alabama Constitution recognizing the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, including the right to life, and directing protection of those rights by lawful and appropriate means. It also states that the Constitution does not secure or protect a right to abortion and does not require funding of abortion. If voters approve the amendment in a statewide election, it would become part of the Constitution. The bill also requires the Attorney General to use internal resources before hiring outside counsel to defend any legal challenges.

Who It Affects

• Pregnant individuals in Alabama would no longer have a constitutionally protected right to abortion, and state laws and policies could reflect that absence of protection.
• Abortion providers and clinics in Alabama would operate under a constitution that does not protect abortion rights and does not require funding for abortions.

Key Provisions

• Adds to the Constitution a declaration that the state will recognize and protect the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, including the right to life, by lawful and appropriate means.
• Declares that the Constitution does not protect a right to abortion or require funding of abortion, and sets forth that the proposed amendment will be decided by a statewide vote with ballot language.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments