Senate Bill 51 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Merika ColemanSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Contraception; guaranteeing access to in the state

Summary

SB51 would guarantee Alabama residents' right to use and obtain FDA-approved contraception and empower civil enforcement to block laws that interfere with contraceptive access.

What This Bill Does

It recognizes the right of individuals in Alabama to obtain contraception and the right of health care providers to dispense contraceptives and share information about their use. It prohibits state laws, rules, or policies that would limit, delay, or impede access to contraceptives or information about contraception. It allows civil actions by the Attorney General, health care providers, or individuals to stop enforcement of laws that interfere with contraception, and it provides defenses in those cases. It defines key terms and sets an effective date for the act.

Who It Affects

• Individuals residing in Alabama who would gain the right to obtain contraception and access related information.
• Health care providers and health care institutions in Alabama who would gain the right to dispense FDA-approved contraceptives and provide information, and who could be involved in enforcement or defense actions.

Key Provisions

• Right to contraception: individuals may engage in contraception and health care providers may dispense contraceptives and provide information.
• Protection against interference: state and political subdivisions may not enforce laws or policies that prohibit or restrict FDA-approved contraception or aid to obtain/use contraception.
• Enforcement mechanisms: the Attorney General, health care providers, and consumers may file civil actions for injunctive relief to enforce the act.
• Defenses in enforcement: defenses include showing a measure significantly advances safety or that the challenged rule is applied consistently to similar medicines or devices.
• Definitions and effective date: defines contraception, contraceptives, and health care providers; act takes effect October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Discrimination & Civil Protections