PA002 Legislation

PA002 Legislation

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Western Governors University

D025 Essentials of Advanced Nursing Roles and Interprofessional Practice

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Legislation Grid Template

Health-Related Bill Name/Bill #

Human Life Protection Act, HB 314

Description

Bill HB 314, known as the Human Life Protection Act, is a state-level law in Alabama designed to ban nearly all abortions within the state. The legislation criminalizes both performing and attempting an abortion at any stage of pregnancy, classifying these actions as felony offenses. While the bill prohibits most abortion-related procedures, it acknowledges a limited number of circumstances in which medical interventions may be legally justified. These exceptions focus primarily on serious threats to the pregnant individual’s health or conditions that render the pregnancy nonviable.

To enhance clarity, the key components of the bill are provided in the table below.

Table 1

Key Elements of the Human Life Protection Act (HB 314)

Federal or State?

State of Alabama
HB 314 is a state law, enacted by the Alabama Legislature and signed by the Governor. Its scope and enforcement apply exclusively within Alabama’s jurisdiction.

Legislative Intent

The legislative intent behind HB 314 is rooted in the state’s declared interest in preserving human life, including the life of the unborn. The bill defines a fetus as a legal person, thereby granting it protections similar to those afforded to individuals under Alabama law (HB 314, 2019). By establishing significant criminal penalties for abortion providers, the legislation seeks to deter the performance of the procedure except in narrowly defined medical emergencies.

Lawmakers supporting the bill argue that it represents a moral and legal commitment to recognizing fetal personhood. The act includes exceptions for cases where the pregnant woman’s life or major bodily functions are at risk, for ectopic pregnancies, for miscarriages requiring removal of fetal tissue, and for conditions where the fetus has no chance of survival. These provisions indicate that the intent is not to prohibit medically necessary care but to eliminate elective abortion.

Proponents/Opponents

Support for HB 314 primarily came from conservative lawmakers, including many members of the Republican Party. Governor Kay Ivey endorsed the bill, expressing the view that it reflected Alabama’s values concerning the sanctity of life. Representative Terri Collins, the bill’s House sponsor, and Senator Clyde Chambliss, the Senate sponsor, were notable advocates who publicly championed the legislation.

Opposition arose largely from Democratic legislators, reproductive-rights advocates, medical organizations, and several moderate Republicans. Critics argued that the bill imposes extreme restrictions and fails to consider the broader implications for women’s autonomy, medical ethics, and socioeconomic conditions. Advocacy groups have continued to challenge the bill in court, maintaining that it violates established constitutional rights.

Target Population

The target population of HB 314 includes two primary groups:

1. Pregnant women in the state of Alabama, whose access to abortion services becomes significantly restricted under the law.

2. Healthcare providers, particularly physicians, who face criminal penalties if they perform or attempt to perform abortions outside the allowed exceptions.

The bill indirectly affects broader populations as well, including families, communities, and healthcare systems that must adjust to changes in reproductive healthcare access.

Status of the Bill

The Human Life Protection Act was signed into law on May 15, 2019. However, its enforcement has been paused due to a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson. This injunction prevents the law from taking effect while ongoing legal challenges proceed. The bill continues to receive extensive media attention and is frequently referenced in national debates on abortion policy, particularly in the context of broader discussions following shifts in federal protections.

As of the most recent updates, the law remains a focal point of legal, political, and public discourse in Alabama and across the United States. Advocacy organizations continue to contest the legislation, citing potential violations of reproductive rights and constitutional protections.

General Notes/Comments

HB 314 represents one of the most stringent abortion laws in the United States. Although not currently implemented, the bill highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal authority regarding reproductive rights. The law has also influenced legislative movements in other states, contributing to a national trend of increased restrictions on abortion access. As legal proceedings continue, healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups closely monitor the bill’s trajectory and potential long-term implications.

References

Bill HB 314. (2019). Human Life Protection Act, Alabama Regular Session.

PA002 Legislation

Laureate Education Inc. (2019). Legislation Grid Template.