HB80 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Juandalynn GivanRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Abortion; authorized to preserve health of mother; father of unborn child required to pay for certain abortion costs; district judge authorized to excuse father from payment if father undergoes vasectomy

Summary

HB80 would allow abortions to preserve the mother’s life or health and make the father pay pregnancy and abortion costs, with court processes for paternity and possible vasectomy relief.

What This Bill Does

The bill expands abortion allowances to include cases necessary to preserve the mother's health or life. It assigns the father financial responsibility for pregnancy and abortion expenses unless the mother waives that requirement. It authorizes district courts to adjudicate disputed paternity and to grant relief if the father agrees to undergo a vasectomy, with fast-tracked court proceedings and venue rules. Non-emergency abortions require a second physician’s written confirmation, and the act becomes effective October 1, 2024.

Who It Affects

• Unborn child's mother (and her health/life considerations): can obtain an abortion to preserve her health or life; must navigate cost payment rules and possible waiver.
• Unborn child's father (and families): may be required to pay all related medical expenses unless waived; may seek relief from payment by agreeing to a vasectomy and pursuing court adjudication of paternity.

Key Provisions

• Permits abortion to preserve the life or health of the mother; non-emergency abortions require written confirmation from a second Alabama-licensed physician within 180 days (emergencies are excepted).
• Adds Section 26-23H-4.1 requiring the father to pay all medical expenses related to the pregnancy and abortion unless the mother waives the requirement; waivers are submitted to the district court.
• Allows the father to petition for relief from payment if he agrees to undergo a vasectomy, with documentation of the vasectomy provided to the court.
• Gives the district court authority to adjudicate disputed paternity and to determine payment responsibility; if paternity is confirmed, the father must pay or pursue relief per the bill.
• Appropriate venue is the county where the alleged father or the mother resides; proceedings must be resolved promptly, with a ruling within 48 hours of filing (excluding weekends and holidays).
• Effective date: 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