Sponsors (6)
The bill aims to expand and study access to individualized, non-clinical doula supports for people obtaining abortions—potentially improving patient experience and access for low-income and underserved communities—while creating new costs, administrative and regulatory burdens, and political controversy around public support for abortion-related services.
Women and pregnant people seeking abortion care gain access to defined, individualized, culturally- and linguistically-congruent non-clinical doula support (emotional, practical, navigation) before, during, and after abortion, improving patient experience and satisfaction.
Medicaid beneficiaries and low-income patients could gain clearer pathways to have abortion doula care covered (through State plans or waivers), increasing access for economically disadvantaged people.
Rural and other underserved communities could receive targeted program design and outreach (via consultation with community-based doulas and organizations), improving access in areas with limited services.
Taxpayers, states, and insurers could face increased public spending or higher insurance costs if coverage or funding for abortion doula services expands as a result of the bill.
Providers, clinics, and health systems may face new administrative burdens, credentialing and reimbursement processes, and compliance costs that could delay or complicate service delivery.
The bill and its study/recommendations could provoke political or moral opposition from Americans who object to public support for abortion-related services, creating contentious debate and pressure on officials.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Directs HHS to study abortion doula care and publish a report with recommendations on State Medicaid approaches and access within 18 months.
Introduced March 27, 2025 by Marilyn Strickland · Last progress March 27, 2025
Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to study the benefits, availability, and coverage options for abortion doula care and to report to Congress on State Medicaid approaches within 18 months of enactment. The study must collect survey and interview data from patients, family members, abortion doulas, and health providers, consult experts and community groups, protect privacy, and include policy recommendations to help states consider adding abortion doula services to Medicaid.