What does Preamble of Abortion DOULAS Act do?

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate the benefits of abortion doula care and coverage. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 27, 2025.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Abortion DOULAS Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Abortion Data and Outreach to Unlock and Leverage Abortion Support Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Abortion DOULAS Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Abortion doula care” is defined as support provided by trained, non-clinical professionals to individuals before, during, and after abortions. The support includes emotional, social, informational, and physical assistance, as well as practical, navigation, advocacy, and post-abortion care. “Secretary” is defined as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

What does FINDINGS. of Abortion DOULAS Act do?

This section outlines findings related to abortion doula care. Abortion doulas provide support to patients and families encompassing physical, social, and emotional needs, information, and advocacy. While doula support during labor and postpartum is well-researched, evidence for abortion care is more limited, but initial studies show high patient satisfaction. The Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision has heightened the importance of abortion doula care, particularly for marginalized communities. Barriers to accessing doula care include limited awareness, cost, and challenges faced by doulas themselves, such as Medicaid credentialing and low reimbursement rates. Many State Medicaid programs do not cover doula services, and private insurance coverage is also limited.

What does STUDY ON THE BENEFITS OF ABORTION DOULA CARE AND COVERAGE. of Abortion DOULAS Act do?

This section mandates a study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the benefits of abortion doula care and coverage. The study will assess the impact of abortion doula care on individuals' well-being, the quality of care provided, and the role of doulas in providing support. The study will also evaluate the availability and accessibility of abortion doula care across all U.S. states. Data collection will involve surveys and interviews with individuals who have received abortion doula care, their family members, abortion doulas, and healthcare providers. The Secretary is required to review academic literature on abortion doula care. Consultation with experts in reproductive health, maternal health, mental health, and social work is required. The Secretary must also consult with community-based doulas and organizations serving underserved or rural communities. Patient privacy protections will be implemented to anonymize data collected.

What does REPORT ON STATE MEDICAID APPROACHES TO ABORTION DOULA CARE of Abortion DOULAS Act do?

This section requires the Secretary to complete a study, as outlined in section 4, and submit a report to the House and Senate committees. The report must assess the potential benefits and challenges of integrating abortion doula care into abortion services. The report should suggest ways to increase access to abortion doula care, particularly in underserved or rural areas. The report will include policy considerations and recommendations for States regarding incorporating abortion doula care into their Medicaid plans or waivers. The report will address Federal and State regulations, eligibility, covered services, payment models, and other program features. The report must be made publicly available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

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Abortion DOULAS Act

Last updated: 3/27/2025 · Introduced: 3/27/2025

Author: Marilyn Strickland (D-WA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study evaluating the benefits of abortion doula care and coverage, including its impact on individual well-being and the quality of care.
The bill requires a report assessing the potential benefits and challenges of integrating abortion doula care into abortion services, with recommendations for states considering incorporating it into Medicaid plans.
The study will evaluate the availability and accessibility of abortion doula care across all U.S. states, including consultation with experts and community-based doulas.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 4 more.

6 sections

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