Contraception; establishes right to obtain, applicability, enforcement.

Virginia House Bill 6, introduced on January 14, 2026, aims to establish the right to obtain contraception and reinforce access to contraceptive methods and information in the state. The bill addresses the definitions and rights surrounding contraception, which includes any action taken to prevent pregnancy through various approved contraceptive methods.

The bill asserts that both individuals and health care providers have the right to obtain and provide contraceptives without interference from laws or policies that limit access. Moreover, any restrictions would need to be justified convincingly to ensure they do not infringe on these rights. Importantly, no sterilization procedures can occur without informed consent.

Additionally, the bill outlines that no state or local government can enforce laws that restrict the sale or use of FDA-approved contraceptives. Individuals negatively affected by such laws will have the right to challenge them in court. The Attorney General will also have the authority to take legal action against violations of this legislation. Courts can provide relief by striking down any laws that infringe upon these rights.

In provisions concerning the dispensation of contraceptives, changes the contraceptives dispensed to contraceptives, including emergency contraception (rather than hormonal contraceptives)

Illinois House Bill 4198 aims to amend the Pharmacy Practice Act regarding the dispensation of contraceptives. The bill specifies that pharmacists will be able to dispense a range of contraceptives, including emergency contraception, instead of limiting this to hormonal contraceptives.

One key provision in the bill requires pharmacists to verify the identity of an adult picking up contraceptives for a minor if they are not known to the pharmacy staff. However, if the adult cannot provide ID and the pharmacist believes that delaying the dispensation could harm the patient, the requirement can be waived.

This bill was introduced by Rep. Amy L. Grant and currently stands in the status of being introduced in the 104th General Assembly for 2025-2026. It emphasizes the need for pharmacists to use their professional judgment while also ensuring patient safety and access to necessary medications.

Enacts the "life appropriation act" prohibiting state funding for abortions and related costs; regulates abortions and prohibits dismemberment abortions.

New York Assembly Bill A09198, introduced on November 3, 2025, aims to prohibit state funding for abortions and related costs, while also regulating abortion practices and banning dismemberment abortions. This bill is known as the "life appropriation act."

The bill asserts that public funds in New York may unintentionally support abortions through various indirect means, like shared administrative costs. It argues that taxpayers who oppose abortion—viewed as a moral or religious issue—should not have their funds allocated to support such practices, asserting that this funding causes them to violate their conscience.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, claiming that state funds should not endorse policies related to abortion that are seen as tied to secular beliefs. The bill reflects a broader attempt to address concerns from individuals who view the state funding of abortion as contrary to their values.

Statutory right to contraception.

Wisconsin Senate Bill 589 aims to establish a statutory right to access contraception. This bill is classified as a partisan initiative, sponsored by Democrats with unanimous support from the party.

As of October 24, 2025, the bill has been introduced and is currently under review by the Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs. It represents a significant move towards ensuring reproductive rights in Wisconsin.

The bill is in its early stages and has yet to be debated or voted on in the legislature. Advocates are likely to support this measure as part of broader efforts to protect access to reproductive health services.

Regulate midwifery, birth centers; designate Day of the Midwife

Ohio House Bill 537 aims to establish regulations for midwifery and birth centers in the state. It intends to provide a framework for the professional practice of midwives and the operation of birth centers, ensuring safety and quality standards in maternal care.

Additionally, the bill designates a specific day as "Day of the Midwife" to recognize and celebrate the contributions of midwives to health care and childbirth.

The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process, having been introduced and referred to the Committee on Children and Human Services. It shows bipartisan support, with sponsorship primarily from Republican members.

Health care coverage: prescription hormone therapy and nondiscrimination.

California Senate Bill 418, introduced by Senator Menjivar, aims to enhance healthcare coverage related to prescription hormone therapy and ensure non-discrimination protections in health insurance. The bill was passed by the Senate and Assembly and was enrolled on September 16, 2025.

This legislation requires health plans to cover up to a 12-month supply of FDA-approved hormone therapy when prescribed by a network provider. It also includes provisions for Medi-Cal, ensuring that eligible individuals can access this necessary treatment without being limited by utilization controls that would restrict their supply to less than a year.

Additionally, SB 418 prohibits discrimination by health insurance providers based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, including gender identity and intersex traits. It strengthens protections against exclusion from coverage and ensures that no individual is denied benefits or subjected to unfair treatment based on these characteristics.

Despite its passage through the legislature, the bill was ultimately vetoed by the Governor on October 13, 2025, and is pending further consideration.

Requires certain health insurance policies include coverage for services provided by pharmacists related to contraceptives.

New York Senate Bill S06441 mandates that specific health insurance policies in the state must cover services provided by pharmacists related to contraceptives. This includes all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices, and over-the-counter products, with coverage for emergency contraception also specified.

The bill requires that insurance plans cover these contraceptives without imposing cost-sharing. If a healthcare provider determines that a non-covered option is appropriate, the provider's decision will be final, and a process will be established for requesting coverage of such alternatives.

Additionally, the legislation stipulates that pharmacists must be reimbursed in the same manner as other healthcare providers when dispensing self-administered hormonal contraceptives. The bill has received bipartisan support and is currently awaiting the governor's approval, reflecting a commitment to expanded access to reproductive healthcare in New York.

To provide reproductive health care to incarcerated individuals

House Bill 2658, known as "To Provide Reproductive Health Care to Incarcerated Individuals," was introduced in the Massachusetts State Legislature. The bill is currently sponsored by two Democratic lawmakers and has been reported favorably by a committee.

The purpose of the bill is to ensure that individuals who are incarcerated have access to reproductive health care services. It reflects a growing recognition of the need for medical care that addresses the specific health concerns of incarcerated populations.

As of October 8, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing for further consideration. This step indicates progress in the legislative process toward potentially enacting these important health care reforms.

Amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), entitled "An act relating to the right to practice medicine and surgery and the right to practice medically related acts; reestablishing the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure as the Sta

Pennsylvania Senate Bill 507 aims to update and amend existing laws regarding the practice of medicine and nurse-midwifery. Specifically, it modifies the act from December 20, 1985, which addresses medical practices, the State Board of Medicine's responsibilities, and licensing procedures.

The bill includes new definitions and regulations related to midwifery, introducing a license for certified midwives. This amendment is part of ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare practices in the state by reevaluating and expanding the roles of different medical professionals.

Currently, SB507 has been introduced and re-reported as committed as of October 6, 2025. The bill has some partisan support, with a breakdown showing 9 Democratic sponsors and 5 from other parties. Further steps will follow in the legislative process to determine its final approval.

In miscellaneous provisions, providing for drug screening and awareness education and for fatherhood engagement in maternal health; and imposing duties on the Joint State Government Commission.

House Bill 1212 is a proposed legislation in Pennsylvania focused on drug screening, awareness education, and fatherhood engagement in maternal health. The bill aims to address these issues through various provisions and assigns responsibilities to the Joint State Government Commission.

The bill has gained support, being classified as a partisan effort with all Democratic sponsors backing it (28-0). It is currently in the stage of being referred to the Health & Human Services committee as of October 3, 2025.

This legislation reflects a broader effort to improve public health and promote responsible fatherhood, particularly in the context of maternal and child health services.