Bill Summary for HB1011

• Bill Number: HB1011
• Primary Sponsor: Representative A. Collins
• Purpose: To enact the Restore Roe Act, restoring access to abortion services up to the point of fetal viability and repealing existing abortion laws in Arkansas.

1. New Provisions:

• Restore Roe Act (Pages 1–2):
  • Establishes a woman’s right to abortion up to fetal viability (the stage where a fetus can survive outside the womb with medical support).
  • Allows exceptions for abortion after viability only when:
    • The mother’s life or health is at risk.
    • The pregnancy resulted from rape or incest involving a minor.
  • Defines legislative intent to align abortion laws with the principles of Roe v. Wade.
  • Introduces protections to ensure access to reproductive healthcare within these parameters.

2. Repeals of Existing Laws:

• Major Restrictions Removed:
  • Arkansas Human Life Protection Act: This law bans nearly all abortions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
  • Right-to-Know-and-See Act: Mandates ultrasounds and waiting periods before abortion procedures.
  • Drug-Induced Abortion Restrictions: Removes detailed procedural requirements for administering medications like mifepristone.
  • Reporting Mandates: Eliminates reporting requirements for abortion clinics and complications.
  • Licensing Barriers: Repeals requirements for abortion facilities to maintain specific hospital and ambulance service agreements.

3. Legal and Administrative Adjustments:

• Updates definitions and regulations within the Arkansas Code to reflect the Restore Roe Act framework.
• Removes penalties for performing abortions within the legal framework defined by the new act.

Layman’s Terms Summary:

HB1011, called the Restore Roe Act, brings back the right to abortion in Arkansas up to the point where a fetus can survive outside the womb. It also removes laws passed in the state after Roe v. Wade was overturned, aiming to simplify access to abortion and protect providers who operate within the law.

The bill strikes down old rules, like mandatory ultrasounds and waiting periods, while making it clear that abortions after viability are allowed only in limited cases (e.g., to save the mother’s life or in instances of rape or incest involving minors).