This bill mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to undertake a comprehensive study evaluating the benefits of abortion doula care and its coverage. The legislation defines abortion doula care as the provision of emotional, social, informational, and physical support by trained non-clinical professionals to individuals before, during, and after medication and procedural abortions. Congress finds that such care is crucial, especially in the wake of the Dobbs decision, for supporting patients and addressing barriers to access. The study will specifically assess the impact of abortion doula care on patient well-being and experience, its potential to enhance the quality of care, and the role of doulas in providing informational and practical support. It will also examine the availability and accessibility of these services across all states. Data collection for the study will involve surveys and interviews with individuals who have received doula care, their family members, practicing abortion doulas, and healthcare providers, alongside a review of academic literature. Furthermore, the Secretary is required to consult with experts in reproductive health, maternal health, mental health, and social work, as well as community-based doulas. All collected data will be anonymized to protect patient privacy. Within 18 months of enactment, the Secretary must submit a detailed report to Congress, which will include an assessment of integrating abortion doula care, suggestions for increasing access in underserved areas, and policy recommendations for States regarding its incorporation into Medicaid plans. The final report will be made publicly available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better
Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
Abortion DOULAS Act
USA119th CongressHR-2469| House
| Updated: 3/27/2025
This bill mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to undertake a comprehensive study evaluating the benefits of abortion doula care and its coverage. The legislation defines abortion doula care as the provision of emotional, social, informational, and physical support by trained non-clinical professionals to individuals before, during, and after medication and procedural abortions. Congress finds that such care is crucial, especially in the wake of the Dobbs decision, for supporting patients and addressing barriers to access. The study will specifically assess the impact of abortion doula care on patient well-being and experience, its potential to enhance the quality of care, and the role of doulas in providing informational and practical support. It will also examine the availability and accessibility of these services across all states. Data collection for the study will involve surveys and interviews with individuals who have received doula care, their family members, practicing abortion doulas, and healthcare providers, alongside a review of academic literature. Furthermore, the Secretary is required to consult with experts in reproductive health, maternal health, mental health, and social work, as well as community-based doulas. All collected data will be anonymized to protect patient privacy. Within 18 months of enactment, the Secretary must submit a detailed report to Congress, which will include an assessment of integrating abortion doula care, suggestions for increasing access in underserved areas, and policy recommendations for States regarding its incorporation into Medicaid plans. The final report will be made publicly available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.