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Public Health - Abortion (Heartbeat Bill)

Maryland House Bill 49, also known as the "Heartbeat Bill," was introduced in the 2026 legislative session. This bill addresses public health issues related to abortion.

The bill is categorized as a partisan measure, with Republican sponsorship. As of January 14, 2026, it has undergone its first reading in the Health committee.

The content and implications of the bill are yet to be discussed in detail, as it is still in the early stages of the legislative process.

Fetal death; funeral homes

Arizona House Bill 2184, introduced on January 9, 2026, focuses on the requirements related to fetal deaths and abortion procedures. It amends existing laws regarding the registration of fetal death certificates and the informed consent process for abortions.

The bill mandates that hospitals, abortion clinics, physicians, or midwives must submit a completed fetal death certificate to the state registrar within seven days of a fetal death occurring at 20 weeks of gestation or more, or earlier if certain conditions are met, such as the weight of the fetus.

Additionally, the bill outlines new requirements for obtaining informed consent before an abortion. It emphasizes that women must receive detailed information from their physician at least 24 hours prior to the procedure. This includes medical risks, available alternatives, and assistance options. Women also have the right to choose the final disposition of fetal remains and must be given the opportunity to consult with a funeral home.

Gender matters.

Indiana Senate Bill 215, titled "Gender Matters," was introduced on January 8, 2026. It is identified as a partisan bill, with Republican sponsorship.

Currently, the bill is in its initial stage, having been referred to the Committee on Health and Provider Services after its first reading.

For further details, the full text of the bill is available for download, but it seems that some technical issues may prevent it from being displayed directly online.

Abortion inducing drugs and abortion reports.

Indiana Senate Bill 236 focuses on abortion-inducing drugs and the reporting of abortion procedures. The bill has been introduced and is currently in the legislative process.

As of January 8, 2026, the bill has had its first reading and has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary. It is classified as a partisan bill, primarily supported by Republican sponsors.

The text of the bill may contain specific stipulations regarding the use of abortion-inducing medications and regulations related to abortion reporting practices. For further details, the full text can be accessed through the provided links.

Establishes a cause of action for fertility fraud; allows patients who have undergone assisted reproduction procedures to bring a cause of action if human reproductive material other than that which was consented to by the patient is used in such procedur

New York Senate Bill 5743 seeks to establish legal rights for individuals affected by fertility fraud. This bill allows patients who have undergone assisted reproduction procedures to take legal action if their healthcare provider uses human reproductive material without their consent.

The bill provides a private right of action for the patient, their spouse, or a child born from the procedure under certain conditions. These include situations where a healthcare provider knowingly uses reproductive material from themselves or an unapproved donor, or if the donor's consent was not obtained appropriately.

Additionally, the bill enables donors and assisted reproductive service providers to sue if false or misleading information about a donor’s medical history is provided. Damages awarded can include compensatory and punitive damages.

The proposed legislation includes a six-year limitation for individuals to initiate legal action after discovering the fertility fraud. The bill aims to strengthen the rights of individuals involved in assisted reproduction by holding providers accountable for ethical and legal breaches.

Reproductive Freedom

Florida Senate Bill 1308, titled the "Reproductive Freedom Act," was introduced to establish and protect individuals' rights to make decisions regarding their reproductive health. The bill outlines that everyone has the fundamental right to access reproductive health care, including abortion, and emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy in such matters.

The legislation prohibits state and local governments from interfering with, harassing, or discriminating against individuals seeking reproductive health care. It also prevents law enforcement from penalizing or prosecuting individuals based on their reproductive health decisions, including those related to pregnancy outcomes like miscarriage or abortion.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that fertilized eggs, embryos, or fetuses do not possess independent rights under state law. It aims to prevent local governments from imposing stricter regulations regarding reproductive health care than those established in the bill.

Maternal Health Awareness Day.

The California Assembly has introduced ACR 117, which designates January 23, 2026, as Maternal Health Awareness Day. This resolution highlights the urgent issue of maternal mortality in the United States, which has the highest rate among industrialized nations, with over 700 women dying annually due to pregnancy or delivery complications, many of which are preventable.

California has made strides in reducing maternal mortality rates, showing a significant 65% decrease from 2006 to 2016, thanks in part to the efforts of the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. Despite this progress, challenges remain, particularly with racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes. For instance, Black women, while comprising only 5% of pregnancies, account for 21% of pregnancy-related deaths in California.

ACR 117 emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to improve maternal health, including better screening for mental health conditions, addressing postpartum care, and enhancing support for vulnerable populations. The resolution calls for ongoing awareness initiatives and coordination between healthcare providers to ensure better health outcomes for all mothers.

Establishes the New York state abortion clinical training program within the department of health for the purpose of training health care practitioners in the performance of abortion and related reproductive health care services; requires the commissioner

New York Senate Bill 1438 aims to establish a state-wide abortion clinical training program within the Department of Health. This program is designed to train healthcare practitioners in providing abortion and related reproductive health services, addressing an increasing need for such training in the state.

The bill highlights a growing concern in New York regarding access to abortion care, emphasizing that while abortion services are available, the number of trained providers is declining. This decline has led to difficulties for individuals seeking care, particularly as many regions lack facilities that offer comprehensive abortion services beyond certain pregnancy durations.

Through this training program, New York seeks to create new educational opportunities for healthcare practitioners, fostering a better-supported workforce capable of providing necessary reproductive health services. The initiative reflects the state's commitment to ensuring access to reproductive health care as a fundamental right.

Creates a private right of action for fertility fraud; adds a health care practitioner using human reproductive material from the practitioner or from a donor knowing or who reasonably should have known that such patient had not expressly consented to suc

New York Assembly Bill A05046 aims to address fertility fraud by creating specific legal protections and rights. The bill proposes that healthcare practitioners could be charged with aggravated sexual abuse if they use human reproductive material without the patient's explicit consent. This includes cases where the practitioner knows or should reasonably know that consent was not given.

The bill also establishes a private right of action for victims of fertility fraud, allowing them to initiate legal proceedings against offenders. Additionally, it changes the time frame for bringing legal actions related to fertility fraud to three years after the discovery of the offense through DNA analysis or other evidence.

Fertility fraud will also be included in the definition of professional misconduct for various healthcare professionals, such as physicians and physician assistants. The bill seeks to enhance accountability and support for individuals affected by unauthorized use of reproductive material.

Health Care Autonomy

Florida House Bill 1151, titled "Health Care Autonomy," was introduced on January 7, 2026. This bill is sponsored by a Democratic member of the Florida legislature.

The primary focus of the bill is to address issues related to health care autonomy, although the specific details of the provisions or proposals were not provided in the available summary.

The bill is currently in its early stage, having just been filed, and further action or discussions on its content are expected as it moves through the legislative process.