Women's Health Legislation
The latest news on laws that impact women’s health — stay informed on what’s happening now.
Relating To Health.
Summary of House Bill 1871 (HI HB1871)
Overview
Hawaii House Bill 1871, introduced in the 2026 legislative session, focuses on improving maternal health care through a pilot program that utilizes remote patient monitoring for women experiencing hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy.Key Definitions
The bill defines key terms such as “eligible participant,” who is a pregnant patient receiving medical assistance; “participating managed care organization,” which administers the program; and “remote monitoring clinical care team,” a group of healthcare professionals who will monitor participants' health data and provide guidance.Program Implementation
The Department of Health will establish and manage the maternal health monitoring pilot program, aiming to include up to 300 eligible participants across various counties. The program will begin operation within 180 days after contracts are signed between managed care organizations and technology vendors.Remote Monitoring Requirements
The technology vendor tasked with implementing the program must ensure that monitoring devices are provided to participants, offer training on their use, and employ a clinical care team to support health tracking and provide necessary medical advice.Funding
The Department of Health will pay participating managed care organizations to administer the pilot program, ensuring funds are used for the program’s operational costs and support services.Contraception; rights; limits.
Arizona Senate Bill 1396, titled the "Arizona Right to Contraception Act," aims to establish and protect the rights associated with contraception. The bill was introduced on January 26, 2026, and has been assigned to the Senate Rules Committee for review.
The bill defines contraception as any action taken to prevent pregnancy, including various methods such as contraceptives and sterilization procedures. It grants individuals the right to access contraceptives and allows health professionals to provide contraception and related information without restrictions or limitations. This law seeks to ensure that healthcare workers and facilities cannot be singled out or impeded in their ability to provide these services.
Additionally, the bill specifies that it does not permit any state interference with a health professional’s ability to provide contraception, nor does it allow sterilization procedures to take place without the patient's informed consent. Overall, the act emphasizes the importance of accessible contraception and the rights of individuals and healthcare providers in relation to reproductive health.
Adopt the Freestanding Birth Center Act
Nebraska Legislative Bill 1234, also known as the Freestanding Birth Center Act, has been introduced during the 2025-2026 legislative session. The bill is currently in the early stages and has been referred to the Health and Human Services Committee for further consideration.
The Freestanding Birth Center Act aims to establish regulations and guidelines for the operation and standards of freestanding birth centers in Nebraska. This legislation is positioned as a nonpartisan effort, reflecting a collaborative approach to enhancing maternal and infant health care options in the state.
As of now, the bill is still in the introduction phase, and no votes or further actions have been recorded. Stakeholders and interested parties can track its progress and access additional details through legislative resources.
Prohibits the closure or significant reduction of services of a birthing center without notice, application, financial disclosure, public hearing, and approval by the department of health.
Rhode Island House Bill 7272 seeks to establish regulations regarding the operation of birthing centers. The bill aims to prevent the closure or significant reduction of services at these facilities without proper oversight.
Under the proposed legislation, any closure or major service reduction at a birthing center would require several steps: notice must be provided, an application submitted, financial disclosures made, a public hearing held, and final approval obtained from the Department of Health.
The bill is currently partisan and is primarily sponsored by Democratic members. As of January 23, 2026, it has been introduced and referred to the House Health & Human Services committee for further consideration.
Requires every individual or group health insurance contract effective on or after January 1, 2027, to provide coverage to the insured and the insured's spouse and dependents for all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and other products.
Rhode Island House Bill 7323 aims to mandate that all individual or group health insurance plans, effective from January 1, 2027, must cover FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and other related products. This coverage will extend to the insured individuals as well as their spouses and dependents.
The bill has been introduced and is currently referred to the House Finance Committee. It is sponsored by a group of ten Democratic representatives.
As it is in the early stages of the legislative process, the bill is still awaiting further discussion and voting in the state legislature.
Establishes the Rhode Island Maternal Health Improvement and Equity Act of 2026, to establish permanent statewide support for maternal health and to implement the maternal health strategic plan improving maternal health care and access.
Rhode Island has introduced House Bill 7322, known as the Rhode Island Maternal Health Improvement and Equity Act of 2026. This legislation aims to enhance maternal healthcare across the state and ensure better access to maternal health services.
The bill seeks to establish permanent support for maternal health initiatives and to implement a strategic plan that addresses the improvement of maternal health care. It is sponsored by six Democratic representatives and is currently in its introductory stage, having been referred to the House Finance committee on January 23, 2026.
Establishes a maternal health monitoring pilot program within the department of health to offer eligible participants improved maternal health care through remote patient monitoring for maternal hypertension and maternal diabetes; requires delivery of a r
New York Assembly Bill A09651 aims to establish a maternal health monitoring pilot program within the Department of Health. This program will provide improved maternal health care through remote patient monitoring, specifically targeting maternal hypertension and diabetes.
The bill outlines that eligible participants must be pregnant patients receiving medical assistance and enrolled in a managed care organization. The program will utilize technology to monitor participants' health data, including critical metrics such as blood pressure and blood glucose levels, and ensure that these are transmitted securely for review by healthcare providers.
Managed care organizations selected by the Department of Health will partner with a technology vendor to implement the program. This vendor will provide the necessary monitoring devices, staff training, and a clinical care team to support participants throughout their pregnancy and up to three months postpartum.
The goal of this pilot program is to enhance maternal healthcare outcomes through consistent monitoring and support for issues like hypertension and diabetes, improving overall health for mothers and their babies.
Abortion; providers; waiting period; ultrasound
Arizona House Bill 2530, introduced in the 2026 Legislative session, focuses on changes related to abortion providers. The bill amends several existing statutes and aims to set regulations regarding abortion practices in the state.
One of the main components of HB2530 is the introduction of a mandatory waiting period for individuals seeking an abortion. Additionally, the bill requires an ultrasound to be performed before the procedure, which aligns with similar legislative trends in other states aimed at making access to abortions more regulated.
The bill is supported by a group of Democratic representatives and senators, reflecting a partisan approach to the issue. HB2530 has been read in the House and is currently in the introductory phase of the legislative process.
The proposed amendments and requirements in HB2530 highlight the ongoing debates and legal considerations surrounding abortion rights and healthcare regulations in Arizona.
Prohibits the use of restraints on and the use of force against incarcerated individuals during labor and incarcerated individuals who have experienced different pregnancy outcomes, absent extraordinary circumstances, and on pregnant and post-pregnancy pe
New York Assembly Bill A01670 seeks to prohibit the use of restraints and force against incarcerated individuals during labor and those who have experienced various pregnancy outcomes. This includes protecting pregnant persons during custodial interrogations.
The bill emphasizes that if a person in custody is pregnant or in need of medical care related to pregnancy, they should be transported to a medical facility with appropriate care and comfort. Restraints are not allowed during this transport, unless extraordinary circumstances arise, where their use must then be documented.
Introduced by various assembly members, this bill aims to ensure the humane treatment of individuals in correctional facilities regarding their health and dignity during pregnancy and childbirth. It is currently in the amendment stage and has garnered support primarily from Democratic sponsors.
```Exposure To Certain Drugs As Child Abuse
New Mexico House Bill 84 focuses on defining exposure to certain drugs as a form of child abuse. This bill is currently in the introduced stage and has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
The bill is sponsored by a Republican lawmaker and aims to address the serious issue of children being exposed to harmful substances. By categorizing such exposure as child abuse, the bill seeks to enhance child protection laws in the state.
As the legislative process continues, this bill will be monitored for any developments or changes. Public discussions and opinions may arise as the implications of the bill are considered by lawmakers and constituents alike.