HB317 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Abortion, chemical abortion, doctors required to inform of possibility of reversing chemical abortions, cause of action and criminal penalties provided

Summary

HB317 would require doctors to inform patients about reversing chemical abortions, create a state information website, and allow private lawsuits and criminal penalties for violations, while protecting patient anonymity.

What This Bill Does

It would require medical professionals to inform patients about the possibility to reverse chemical abortions and that information is available on a state website. It would require written discharge instructions after the first drug in a chemical abortion, including a warning about reversal. It would authorize privacy protections in lawsuits, create criminal penalties for violations (Class C felony), and allow civil damages for women and certain family members. It would also require the Department of Public Health to publish multilingual reversal information within 90 days and set emergency-notification and documentation requirements for medical emergencies.

Who It Affects

• Women seeking or undergoing chemical abortions, who would be informed about reversal options and could sue if the information requirements or procedures are violated.
• Doctors and clinics that administer abortion-inducing drugs, who would have to provide mandated information, issue discharge instructions, may face criminal penalties and civil liability for violations, and must maintain certain records.

Key Provisions

• For chemical abortions, requiring informing the patient that reversing the effects may be possible and that reversal information is available on the Alabama Department of Public Health website (before proceeding with the two-drug process, unless in a medical emergency).
• After the first drug is dispensed, requiring written discharge instructions with language indicating reversal might be possible if the second drug has not been taken and advising immediate consultation with a health professional.
• Requiring physicians to inform and document the medical emergency basis if an abortion is necessary to avert death or serious risk, with records kept for at least two years.
• The Alabama Department of Public Health must publish and maintain a multilingual, easily searchable website with reversal information and resources within 90 days of enactment.
• Creating private causes of action for violations, allowing actual and punitive damages for women, the father, or grandparents in certain cases; attorneys’ fees may be awarded; a two-year limitation period; and no damages if the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct.
• Imposing Class C felony penalties on individuals who knowingly or recklessly perform or induce an abortion in violation of the act.
• Providing anonymity protections in civil or criminal proceedings related to the act, including use of pseudonyms when appropriate.
• Declaring that the act does not create a right to abortion and does not repeal or modify existing abortion laws; and noting a local-funds expenditure clause with exceptions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Abortion