Bill
HB 1011
House Bill 1011 aimed to restore abortion access in Arkansas, aligning state law with Roe v. Wade, but died in committee, leaving strict limitations in place.
Bill Number: HB 1011
Title: To Create the Restore Roe Act; and to Restore a Woman's Access to Abortion Services
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: November 20, 2024
Classification: Bill
House Bill 1011, known as the Restore Roe Act, aimed to restore and protect a woman's right to access abortion services in Arkansas. The bill sought to align state law with the principles established in the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade, which recognized a woman's constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability. The bill intended to ensure that abortion services would remain available with limited exceptions after fetal viability, specifically for the health or life of the mother, or in cases of rape or incest involving minors.
Legislative Intent: The bill explicitly stated the intent to protect a woman's right to abortion services up to fetal viability, reflecting the standards set by Roe v. Wade.
Repeal of Existing Law: The bill proposed the repeal of the Arkansas Human Life Protection Act, which imposed strict limitations on abortion and aimed to abolish the procedure in the state.
Definitions: The bill included definitions for key terms such as "abortion," "fertilization," "medical emergency," and "unborn child," establishing a legal framework for the provisions outlined in the act.
Prohibition of Abortions: The bill sought to prohibit the performance of abortions except in medical emergencies, with penalties for violations including fines up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to ten years.
Protection from Criminal Charges: The bill included provisions to ensure that women would not face criminal charges for the death of their unborn child resulting from an abortion.
If enacted, HB 1011 would have significantly altered the legal landscape surrounding abortion in Arkansas, reinstating access to abortion services and aligning state law with federal protections. The bill aimed to address public health concerns by ensuring that women could access necessary reproductive health care services.
House Bill 1011 represented a significant legislative effort to restore abortion rights in Arkansas, reflecting ongoing national debates surrounding reproductive health care. Despite its introduction and subsequent actions, the bill ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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