HB52 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Abortion, require abortion providers to provide certain information to women seeking an abortion, and to require refunds if the abortion is cancelled, Secs. 26-23A-4, 26-23A-10 am'd.

Summary

HB 52 would require abortion providers to tell women about the right to withdraw consent and to refund fees if withdrawal happens before the abortion is performed.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, abortion providers must inform women of their right to change their mind and receive a full refund before an abortion. Refunds must be issued within three business days after cancellation, with surgical abortions refunded up to the moment of abortion and medical abortions refunded until the woman leaves with medications. The bill adds a 48-hour notice and a 16-point written notice about refunds and other information, and it imposes civil penalties and potential licensing actions for noncompliance.

Who It Affects

• Women seeking abortion: gain a right to information and a refund if they withdraw before the procedure.
• Abortion providers/clinics/physicians: must provide the required information, process refunds within a set timeframe, and face penalties or license actions if they do not comply.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 26-23A-4 to require informing women of the right to withdraw consent to an abortion before it is performed.
• Requires refund of fees if a woman withdraws consent before the abortion is performed, with refunds due within three business days of cancellation.
• Specifies refund timing: surgical abortions refunded up to the moment of abortion; medical abortions refunded until the woman leaves the facility with medications.
• Requires 48-hour notice and delivery of information, including a 16-point notice about refunds and consent, with in-person or mailed delivery as appropriate.
• Before abortion, requires disclosure of the physician’s name, method and risks, gestational age and viability considerations, and the right to view ultrasound and related materials.
• Requires the woman to acknowledge receipt of information and consent forms; the facility must preserve relevant records for at least four years.
• Establishes civil penalties and damages for failure to comply, eligibility for professional license suspension for violations, and potential wrongful death recovery if applicable.
• Provides a mechanism for civil action if the provider fails to comply with refund requirements (Section 26-23A-4(b)).

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