HB279 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Anthony DanielsRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Contraception; guaranteeing access

Summary

HB279 would recognize a right to use contraception in Alabama and allow individuals and providers to challenge laws that limit access to FDA-approved contraceptives.

What This Bill Does

It affirms that individuals in Alabama can obtain contraception and that health care providers can dispense contraceptives and share information about them. It prohibits laws, rules, or policies that limit access to contraception or information about it. It creates a process for enforcing these rights through civil actions by the Attorney General, health care providers, and consumers, with defenses available to those challenged. The act would take effect on October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who want to obtain or use contraception, who would have a protected right to access and use contraceptives without unlawful barriers.
• Health care providers and health care institutions that dispense contraception or provide information about contraception, who would have the right to do so and may be involved in enforcement actions.

Key Provisions

• Section 1 defines terms: contraception, contraceptive, and health care provider (including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, clinics, and licensed pharmacies).
• Section 2 confirms the right of residents to obtain contraception and of providers to dispense contraceptives and discuss contraception, and says these rights cannot be infringed by laws that limit access or information.
• Section 3 forbids state agencies and subdivisions from enforcing laws that prohibit FDA-approved contraceptives, restrict providers from helping people obtain or use them, or create exemptions that make access harder; it also allows a defense if a law would violate this act.
• Section 4 allows the Attorney General and affected providers or consumers to sue for injunctive relief to enforce the act, with defenses available (e.g., showing the law significantly improves safety or is applied similarly to other drugs), and requires clear and convincing evidence for defenses.
• Section 5 states the act takes effect on October 1, 2024.

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

Subjects

Health