Withholds funding from certain entities who decline to make available, dispense, distribute, or sell a product approved by the federal government which would block, prevent, or otherwise negate a pregnancy

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Catalina Cruz

Bill A 352 withholds funding from healthcare providers and pharmacies that fail to offer federally approved pregnancy prevention products, enhancing access for patients.

REFERRED TO HEALTH

Overview

Bill Number: A 352
Title: Withholds funding from certain entities who decline to make available, dispense, distribute, or sell a product approved by the federal government which would block, prevent, or otherwise negate a pregnancy
Status: Referred to Health
Introduced: January 08, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 352 is to ensure that entities, including healthcare providers and pharmacies, are incentivized to make available, dispense, distribute, or sell federally approved products that can block, prevent, or negate a pregnancy. This bill aims to address access to reproductive health products and services by withholding funding from those who do not comply with these requirements.

Key Provisions

Funding Withholdings: The bill stipulates that any entity that refuses to make available, dispense, distribute, or sell federally approved pregnancy prevention products will face funding penalties. This could include state or federal funding that supports health services.

Scope of Products: The bill specifically targets products that have received approval from the federal government, which may include contraceptives, emergency contraceptives, and other reproductive health medications.

Compliance Requirements: Entities must demonstrate compliance with the bill's provisions to continue receiving funding. This may involve reporting mechanisms or certifications regarding the availability of the specified products.

Affected Parties

Healthcare Providers: Hospitals, clinics, and individual practitioners who provide reproductive health services may be directly impacted by the funding provisions of this bill.

Pharmacies: Retail and community pharmacies that dispense medications will also be affected, as they will need to ensure they stock and provide access to the specified products.

Patients: Individuals seeking reproductive health services and products may benefit from increased access, as the bill aims to ensure that necessary products are available.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Process: The bill was introduced on January 08, 2025, and has been referred to the Health Committee for further consideration. The timeline for additional hearings, amendments, or votes will depend on the committee's schedule and legislative priorities.

Related Legislation: Bill A 352 is related to prior-session Bill A 6823, which may provide context or background on similar legislative efforts regarding reproductive health access.

Conclusion

Bill A 352 seeks to enhance access to federally approved pregnancy prevention products by imposing funding penalties on entities that do not comply with its provisions. By doing so, the bill aims to ensure that individuals have the necessary resources for reproductive health, while also holding healthcare providers and pharmacies accountable for their role in this access. The bill is currently under review by the Health Committee, and its future will depend on legislative discussions and actions.

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