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HB 2824

Creates provisions relating to emergency contraception for victims of sexual assault

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jo Doll

HB 2824 aims to ensure timely, accessible emergency contraception for sexual assault victims by clarifying provider duties and access routes while protecting privacy.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#healthcare #hospitals #sexualoffenses
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Bill Summary · HB 2824

Summary of HB 2824 (Session 2026, Missouri)

Purpose and intent

HB 2824 creates provisions related to access to emergency contraception for victims of sexual assault. The bill is designed to clarify and, in various ways, facilitate availability of emergency contraceptive methods to individuals who have experienced sexual assault, addressing procedural or regulatory barriers and outlining responsibilities for relevant state agencies or healthcare providers.

Key provisions and changes

  • Emergency contraception access: Establishes or codifies a framework ensuring that victims of sexual assault can obtain emergency contraception in a timely and appropriate manner. This may involve patient-facing requirements or protections, and could specify that providers offer or facilitate access without undue delay.
  • Provider responsibilities: Sets expectations for healthcare providers, clinics, or pharmacists in delivering emergency contraception to assault victims. This may include guidance on consent, confidentiality, and the appropriate standard of care.
  • Point of access: Addresses routes through which emergency contraception can be provided (e.g., medical clinics, hospitals, urgent care centers, or pharmacy access), potentially clarifying roles for pharmacists or dispensing facilities.
  • Confidentiality and consent: Articulates considerations around patient privacy, informed consent, and cases where the patient is a minor, with appropriate safeguards.
  • Time sensitivity: Emphasizes the importance of timely administration after unprotected intercourse or potential exposure, consistent with medical guidelines for emergency contraception effectiveness.
  • Potential funding or cost considerations: Depending on the text, may reference reimbursement, coverage, or funding mechanisms to support access, though specific dollar provisions are not indicated in the available summary.
  • Coordination with other statutes: Could interact with existing Missouri laws on sexual assault response, victim services, or reproductive health, aligning provisions to avoid conflicts and ensure coherent practice.

Who is affected

  • Victims of sexual assault: Primary beneficiaries who would gain clarified access and potentially streamlined processes for obtaining emergency contraception.
  • Healthcare providers: Hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, physician practices, and pharmacies involved in dispensing or facilitating emergency contraception; providers may have new or clarified duties to ensure access.
  • Public health and victim services agencies: State and local entities involved in coordinating care, confidentiality, and support services for sexual assault survivors.
  • Insurers and payers (to the extent applicable): May be affected if provisions influence coverage or reimbursement for emergency contraception, depending on accompanying language.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: Introduced January 7, 2026.
  • Second reading: Read January 8, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to Emerging Issues (House) on May 15, 2026.
  • Status: Pending further consideration by the committee and the full chamber; no final passage date is indicated in the provided history.

Practical considerations and potential impact

  • Access improvements: If enacted, the bill could reduce barriers (logistical, administrative, or informational) that delay or prevent emergency contraception for assault victims.
  • Safety and confidentiality: Provisions likely aim to protect survivor privacy while ensuring medically appropriate care.
  • Implementation: Success depends on clear procedural guidance for providers, possible funding mechanisms, and alignment with existing health and sexual assault response frameworks.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated focus on emergency contraception for sexual assault victims and the typical legislative elements associated with such measures. For precise language, statutory citations, and fiscal implications, the full bill text and fiscal notes should be consulted once available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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