Abortion DOULAS Act

This bill would have the Department of Health and Human Services study “abortion doula care,” which means non-medical, trained support for people before, during, and after an abortion. The study would look at how this support affects patients’ well-being and quality of care, what doulas do, and how available these services are across states . It also notes common barriers, like low awareness of doula services, high costs, challenges with Medicaid credentialing, and low reimbursement—leaving many doulas unpaid. Many state Medicaid plans and private insurance do not cover this care, especially for abortion-related support.

HHS would collect surveys and interviews from patients, families, doulas, and providers; review research; consult experts and community-based doulas; and keep all data anonymous. Within 18 months of the law taking effect, HHS must publish a public report with findings, ideas to expand access (especially in rural or underserved areas), and policy advice for states on how to add this benefit under Medicaid, including what services to cover and how to pay for them .

• Who is affected: People seeking abortions, abortion doulas, health care providers, and state Medicaid programs.
• What changes: A federal study, data collection with privacy protections, expert input, and a public report with recommendations to help states consider Medicaid coverage for this support .
• When: The report is due 18 months after the law is enacted.