HB377 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Andrew SorrellAuditor

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Abortion, ban non-surgical, chemical abortions, criminal penalties, Alabama Chemical Abortion Prohibition Act

Summary

HB377 would ban non-surgical, chemical abortions in Alabama, make it illegal to manufacture or sell abortion pills, and impose penalties, while protecting women from criminal charges for using such drugs.

What This Bill Does

If passed, this bill would prohibit manufacturing, distributing, prescribing, dispensing, selling, or transferring abortion pills (RU-486 and similar drugs) in Alabama and would establish criminal penalties for violations (Class C felony). It would also shield women from criminal liability for the death of an unborn child resulting from abortifacient use and clarify that contraception remains allowed. The bill would take effect immediately after the governor signs it, and it would override conflicting chemical abortion laws while exempting itself from certain local-funding expenditure rules under a specified constitutional provision.

Who It Affects

• Abortion providers, pharmacies, clinics, and any entities involved in manufacturing, distributing, prescribing, dispensing, selling, or transferring abortion pills would face criminal penalties (Class C felony) for violations.
• Women who might use chemical abortions would be protected from criminal charges related to the death of their unborn child due to abortifacient use.
• Local governments could be affected by local-funding expenditure rules, but the bill is exempt from those rules, allowing it to take effect without a 2/3 vote or local approval.
• People seeking contraception are not prohibited; the bill states it does not ban contraceptives administered before conception.

Key Provisions

• Section 3(a): It is unlawful to manufacture, distribute, prescribe, dispense, sell, or transfer RU-486, Mifepristone, Mifegyne, Mifeprex, or substantially similar abortifacient drugs in Alabama.
• Section 3(b): Violating this section is a Class C felony.
• Section 3(c): No woman shall be charged for the death of her unborn child by virtue of using an abortifacient drug.
• Section 3(d): The act does not prohibit the sale, use, prescription, or administration of contraceptives administered before conception or before pregnancy can be confirmed.
• Section 3(e): Repeals conflicting chemical abortion laws and states that existing laws remain in effect during any pending legal challenge.
• Section 4: The bill is exempt from Amendment 621 requirements regarding local fund expenditures because it prescribes minimum compensation for public officials.
• Section 5: The act becomes effective immediately upon passage and governor's approval.

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