House Bill 642 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Marilyn LandsRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Human fertility; to recognize the right of Alabamians to engage in contraception and assisted reproductive practices such as in vitro fertilization

Summary

HB642 would recognize and protect Alabama residents' rights to obtain contraception and to access assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization, and it would shield providers who offer these services.

What This Bill Does

It establishes that individuals have the right to obtain contraception and to engage in contraception. Health care providers have the right to dispense contraception and provide assisted reproductive treatment (ART) and to share information about these services. The state and political subdivisions may not enforce laws that prohibit or restrict contraception or ART, and enforcement can be pursued through civil actions brought by the Attorney General, providers, or consumers. It also defines key terms and sets an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents: gain explicit rights to obtain contraception, engage in contraception, and make decisions about eggs, sperm, and embryos resulting from ART.
• Health care providers and health care institutions (doctors, nurses, clinics, pharmacies): gain the right to dispense contraception and provide ART and related information.
• State and local governments: barred from enforcing laws that prohibit or restrict contraception or ART.
• Attorney General, health care providers, and consumers/patients: can bring civil actions to enforce the act and seek injunctive relief.

Key Provisions

• Section 1 names the act as the Alabama Family Planning Act.
• Section 2 provides definitions for assisted reproductive treatment, contraception, contraceptive, and health care provider.
• Section 3 grants rights to individuals and health care providers regarding contraception and ART, including custody/control rights for eggs, sperm, and embryos.
• Section 4 prohibits state or subdivision enforcement of laws restricting contraception, ART, or related information, and allows defenses in enforcement actions.
• Section 5 establishes civil enforcement mechanisms, allowing the Attorney General and others to seek injunctive relief against violators.
• Section 6 sets the effective date at October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 19, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Discrimination & Civil Protections