NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Department of Health, Health Policy Commission

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 129 prohibits any person from prescribing, administering or dispensing the non-surgical abortion drug Mifepristone for the purpose of causing a non-surgical abortion. Any person found violating the provisions of this act is guilty of a forth degree felony.

Significant Issues

This bill, if enacted, would limit the choices that physicians and other heath care providers have in choosing the least invasive method to terminate pregnancies when considering the health of the pregnant female patient who presents herself for care.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Prohibition of this drug may have the effect of increasing the cost of health care if the only other alternatives are surgical abortions and other medications that are more expensive.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The provisions of this bill will not increase administrative duties or costs as a result of it's passage. Costs of prosecuting offenders of this act cannot be determined at this time.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

Abortion is a legal method of terminating pregnancies in the United States at the present time. Physicians, mid-level providers and pharmacists have at their disposal, the use of this drug when considering the best medical option for their patients. To limit one option seriously compromises a health care providers ability to provide the best medical care for their patient.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. Are there any constitutional issues associated with this proposed legislation?

MB/njw