“To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate the benefits of abortion doula care and coverage.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section defines key terms for purposes of the Act, including (1) abortion doula care, as the provision of emotional, social, informational, and physical support by non-clinical, trained professionals (commonly known as “abortion doulas”) to individuals before, during, and after medication and procedural abortions, including practical support, patient navigation support, patient advocacy, and postabortion care; and (2) Secretary, as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
This section states congressional findings on abortion doulas, including their provision of physical, emotional, and informational support during abortions; evidence from studies showing high patient satisfaction and recommendations for routine incorporation; heightened importance following Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, particularly for medically marginalized populations; and barriers to access such as limited awareness, costs, low reimbursement rates, and insufficient Medicaid and private insurance coverage.
This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), in coordination with the Directors of the Office of Minority Health and Office on Women’s Health, to conduct a study on the benefits of abortion doula care (i.e., non-medical emotional, informational, logistical, and practical support during abortions) and its coverage. The study must assess (1) the impact of such care on patient well-being and experience before, during, and after abortions; (2) its potential to enhance care quality; (3) the role of abortion doulas in providing support; and (4) its availability and accessibility in all states. For the study, HHS must collect anonymized data via surveys and interviews with a representative sample of abortion doula care recipients and their families (including in states covering doula care for all pregnancy outcomes under Medicaid), practicing abortion doulas and collaborating providers (including in such states), and a review of academic literature; HHS must also consult experts in reproductive, maternal, and mental health and social work, as well as community-based doulas and organizations serving underserved or rural communities.
This section directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, not later than 18 months after enactment of this Act, to submit to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions a report on the results of the study required under section 4. The report must assess (1) the potential benefits and challenges of integrating abortion doula care into abortion care and services, (2) approaches to increase access to abortion doula care in underserved or rural areas, and (3) policy considerations and recommendations for states to incorporate abortion doula care into Medicaid state plans or waivers (i.e., under title XIX of the Social Security Act), including federal and state regulations, eligibility criteria, covered services, payment models, and other program features; and requires the report to be made publicly available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.