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HB 1357

Public Health - Reproductive Health Care Data - Report

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Arentz and 13 co-sponsors

Maryland bill mandating annual public reporting of reproductive health care data, including procedures and patient demographics, raising privacy and implementation concerns.

Hearing 2/27 at 2:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1357

Legislative bill overview

HB 1357 requires Maryland's Department of Health to compile and publicly report data on reproductive health care services, including information on procedures, patient demographics, and outcomes. The bill mandates annual reporting to the legislature and public disclosure of this reproductive health care information.

Why is this important

Reproductive health data transparency affects policy decisions, research, and public understanding of healthcare access and utilization in Maryland. The bill directly impacts how government collects, analyzes, and shares sensitive health information that influences debates over reproductive rights, healthcare equity, and resource allocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Data privacy concerns: Collecting and publishing detailed reproductive health records raises questions about patient confidentiality, de-identification standards, and risk of re-identification in smaller communities or demographic subgroups
  • Political use of data: Sponsors' party affiliation suggests this may be used to document abortion or contraceptive access, creating concerns about whether data collection aims are neutral fact-finding or advocacy-driven
  • Administrative burden and costs: Requiring new data systems and annual reporting imposes compliance costs on the Department of Health and healthcare providers without specified funding

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

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