Abortion DOULAS Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 27, 2025
Bottom line
This bill mandates a federal study by the Department of Health and Human Services to evaluate the efficacy, accessibility, and potential for integrating abortion doula care into healthcare systems, with a focus on informing future policy.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a comprehensive study on the benefits of abortion doula care and its coverage. The study will assess the impact of such care on patient well-being, quality of care, and accessibility, requiring data collection from individuals, doulas, and healthcare providers, as well as expert consultation. Within 18 months, HHS must report its findings and policy recommendations to Congress, with a focus on integrating abortion doula care into state Medicaid plans.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that abortion doulas provide crucial emotional, social, informational, and physical support to individuals undergoing abortions, particularly those facing heightened barriers to care after the Dobbs decision. They contend that existing research, though limited, suggests high patient satisfaction and improved experiences, especially for medically marginalized patients. A federal study would provide comprehensive evidence to inform policy decisions, potentially leading to increased access and coverage for these vital services.
Opponents contend
Critics of the bill, particularly those opposed to abortion, might argue that directing federal resources to study and potentially promote abortion-related services is an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds. They may contend that the government should not be involved in facilitating abortion access, even indirectly through research into support services. Some might also argue that the focus should be on alternatives to abortion rather than enhancing abortion care.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose and provisions quickly.
Section 4
Study on Benefits of Abortion Doula Care and Coverage
This section mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Directors of the Office of Minority Health and the Office on Women's Health, to conduct a comprehensive study. The study will assess the impact of abortion doula care on patient well-being and quality of care, the role of doulas in providing support, and the availability and accessibility of such care across the United States.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a federal study is essential to gather robust evidence on the positive impacts of abortion doula care, which is currently under-researched. They believe this evidence is crucial for overcoming barriers to access, such as limited awareness and lack of insurance coverage, ultimately improving reproductive health outcomes.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that this study is a step towards federal endorsement and funding of abortion services, which they oppose on moral or ethical grounds. They may contend that federal resources should not be used to research or promote services related to abortion.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the perceived need for data to improve patient care and access to reproductive health services, and the opposition to any federal involvement that could be seen as promoting abortion.
Section 4(b) and 4(c)
Data Collection Methods and Expert Consultation
To ensure a comprehensive study, the Secretary is directed to collect data through surveys and interviews with individuals who have received abortion doula care, their family members, practicing abortion doulas, and healthcare providers. This data collection will specifically include those in states where doula care for all pregnancy outcomes is covered by Medicaid. Additionally, the Secretary must consult with experts in reproductive health, maternal health, mental health, social work, and community-based doulas, ensuring patient privacy protections.
Section 5
Report to Congress and Public Accessibility
Within 18 months of enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. This report will detail the study's findings, assess the benefits and challenges of integrating abortion doula care, suggest ways to increase access (especially in underserved areas), and provide policy recommendations to states regarding Medicaid coverage for abortion doula care. The report must also be made publicly available on the HHS website.