La. House Approves Bill Requiring Abortion Clinic Signs, Website on Alternatives

June 22, 2011 — The Louisiana House on Tuesday voted 85-0 to give final approval to a bill (HB 636) that would require abortion clinics to post signs stating, among other things, that it is illegal to force a woman to have an abortion; that private and public agencies can provide support during and after pregnancy; that fathers are liable for child support; and that adoptive parents may cover medical costs associated with pregnancy, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. The bill now advances to Gov. Bobby Jindal (R), who is expected to sign it (Barrow, New Orleans Times-Picayune, 6/22). The bill also would require the creation of a state website about abortion and alternatives to abortion care (Women's Health Policy Report, 6/15).

Current state law requires abortion providers to provide women with pamphlets from the health department with information about pregnancy, abortion and alternatives. Women also are required to sign a statement 24 hours before the abortion procedure indicating that they have received the information and are not being coerced into an abortion.

The bill would apply to abortion clinics but not to hospitals or other health care facilities that occasionally provide abortion care in medical emergencies (New Orleans Times-Picayune, 6/22).