SB19 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Contraception; guaranteeing access to in the state

Summary

SB19 would explicitly recognize the right of Alabama residents to obtain and use contraception and the right of health care providers to dispense contraception and share information, with new civil enforcement against laws that interfere.

What This Bill Does

It guarantees individuals’ right to obtain and engage in contraception and ensures health care providers can dispense contraceptives and provide information about contraception. It bars laws, rules, or policies that restrict access to FDA-approved contraceptives or information about them. It authorizes civil action by the Attorney General, health care providers, and individuals to stop enforcement of violating laws, and it provides defenses to those claims.

Who It Affects

• Individuals residing in Alabama who want to obtain or use contraception, who gain a protected right and the ability to seek civil remedy if access is blocked.
• Health care providers and health care institutions that dispense contraceptives or provide information about contraception and may be involved in enforcement or defense of these rights.

Key Provisions

• Defines key terms: contraception, contraceptive, and health care provider (including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, clinics, and licensed facilities).
• Creates a guaranteed right for individuals to obtain contraception and for providers to dispense contraception and give information, with protections against laws that interfere with these rights.
• Prohibits state agencies and political subdivisions from enforcing laws that prohibit or restrict FDA-approved contraception or hinder access to contraception or information, and allows a defense for violations.
• Establishes civil enforcement: the Attorney General and individuals or providers can seek injunctive relief against violators; providers can sue on behalf of themselves or their patients; defenses require showing that challengers advance safety or apply laws equally to similar drugs or methods, with clear and convincing evidence.
• Effective date: October 1, 2025.

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

Subjects

Discrimination & Civil Protections