HB 855 repeals Mississippi's existing abortion restrictions and criminal penalties, effective July 1, 2026. It removes Section 41-41-45 (which limited abortion to preserving the mother's life or rape cases) and repeals Sections 97-3-3 to 97-3-5 that criminalized abortion providers, assisting in abortions, and failing to save infants from failed abortions. The bill directly affects individuals seeking or providing abortion care in Mississippi by eliminating these legal barriers and penalties. This change would allow abortion access under current medical standards without the previously enforced criminal sanctions.
HB 1453 establishes a two-year pilot program within Mississippi's Department of Health to provide remote health monitoring for pregnant women with hypertension or diabetes. It targets eligible participants enrolled in Medicaid who are members of participating managed care organizations. The program uses FDA-approved technology to track blood pressure, glucose levels, and other health data remotely, with a clinical care team offering support and an escalation pathway for concerning readings. The pilot will enroll up to 300 participants across multiple counties and require a report within two years evaluating outcomes and recommending potential statewide expansion.
HB 1296, known as "Maeghan's Law," requires Mississippi's State Department of Health to create educational materials about amniotic fluid embolism (a rare, serious obstetric emergency where amniotic fluid enters the bloodstream, causing cardiovascular collapse and other complications) for healthcare providers, patients, and the public. The bill mandates that the Health Department develop these materials and post them on its website, focusing on recognizing signs, symptoms, and management of the condition. This law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and directly affects healthcare systems, pregnant individuals, and their families by improving awareness of a critical but uncommon medical risk.
HB 812 would make it a felony for out-of-state individuals or entities to supply abortion drugs to Mississippi residents, targeting those who mail, ship, or place such drugs into commerce knowing they’ll be used in Mississippi. It imposes penalties of up to $100,000 fines or 10 years in prison for violations, while allowing pregnant women to sue foreign senders for $10,000 per violation. The bill defines "abortifacient" as drugs requiring FDA approval or primarily used for abortion and includes defenses for licensed in-state medical providers. It does not criminalize pregnant women or lawful medical procedures. (Note: The bill died in committee in February 2026 and is not law.)
HB 1133 authorizes Mississippi's State Board of Health to create statewide standards for obstetrics care, directly affecting hospitals and health systems across the state. It requires the State Department of Health to lead development of these standards, including designating maternal/neonatal care centers, establishing protocols for patient transfers between facilities, and defining appropriate care levels based on each hospital's actual capacity (resources, staff, geography). The bill mandates that standards align with existing professional scopes of practice and hospital capabilities, ensuring patient safety while avoiding restrictions on licensed providers' legal roles. These rules would take effect July 1, 2027, after the Board consults with hospitals and health professionals.
HB 142 establishes a licensing and regulatory system for professional midwives in Mississippi community settings. It requires midwives to obtain a license from the newly created State Board of Licensed Midwifery, defines their scope of practice (including pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care), and mandates that health insurance plans covering maternity care must also cover services provided by licensed midwives. The bill explicitly states that midwifery is a distinct profession separate from medicine and prohibits discriminatory language in health coverage plans regarding midwifery. It also creates oversight mechanisms, including mandatory board rules by 2027, confidentiality protections, and criminal penalties for violations.
HB 719 requires nurse practitioners to be present at every Mississippi county health department for at least one day weekly to provide free contraceptive supplies and prescriptions to anyone seeking them. This directly affects individuals accessing contraception at county health centers, including minors who are parents, married, have parental consent, or are referred by authorized providers. The bill amends state law to mandate this weekly service and expand access to contraceptive information and supplies under specific conditions. The legislation, which died in committee on February 3, 2026, would have taken effect July 1, 2026, if passed.
HB 534 creates the Mississippi Health Information Exchange, a statewide system enabling real-time electronic sharing of patient data between licensed hospitals, clinics, insurers, and public health agencies. It requires all licensed hospitals and community mental health centers to connect to the system for sharing admission/discharge/transfer data and bed availability, while allowing other providers to join voluntarily. The exchange is managed by a nonprofit entity selected through a competitive bid, with a special fund covering participation costs, and ensures data sharing complies with privacy laws like HIPAA. The system aims to improve care coordination, reduce administrative costs, and support public health research on priority issues like maternal health and mental health outcomes.
SB 2620 prohibits Mississippi public entities, including state agencies, hospitals, schools, and local governments, from using public funds for transactions with abortion providers or abortion assistance entities. It bans logistical support like travel, childcare, lodging, or advertising related to abortions, and also prohibits insurance coverage for elective abortions. The bill defines "abortion assistance" broadly to include financial aid for abortion costs or travel, while exempting basic public services (e.g., police, fire) provided equally to all. Violations could trigger civil penalties, and the law requires state medical licensing rules to enforce these provisions.
The Fatherhood Engagement in Maternal Health Act would require Mississippi's State Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign about fathers' roles in maternal health during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. It directs the Department to post online resources for healthcare providers (including hospitals and clinics) on engaging fathers and screening for paternal depression as part of routine maternity care. The bill is based on legislative findings that father involvement can improve maternal outcomes, reduce risks like preterm birth, and support infant development. These provisions aim to integrate father engagement into standard maternal health practices without mandating specific provider actions.
