Arkansas Perinatal Palliative Care Information Act (HB 1453)

HB 1453 would require informed consent for abortion to include perinatal palliative care information for patients carrying a fetus with a life-threatening anomaly.

“Perinatal palliative care” would include comprehensive support to the pregnant person and their family, from the time of diagnosis through the time of birth and the death of the infant, and through the postpartum period.

Except in cases of medical emergency, consent to an abortion when the fetus has been diagnosed with a lethal fetal anomaly would be voluntary and informed only if at least 72 hours before the abortion:

• The physician informs the pregnant person that perinatal palliative care services are available and has offered the services as an alternative to the abortion; and
• The pregnant person is given a list of perinatal palliative care services available both in the state and nationally.

If the pregnant person declines the services, they would need to certify their decision in writing.

A physician who fails to provide the perinatal palliative care information would have their medical license revoked.

Latest Action

2/13/19 – Introduced; referred to House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee.

3/4/19 – Passed the House by a 73-18 vote.

4/8/19 – Passed the Senate by a 29-5 vote.

4/12/19 – Signed into law by Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson.

People