Healthcare (Women's Health)

HB 1478, if enacted, would create new protections in North Dakota law for access to contraceptives. It defines contraceptives broadly (including pills, IUDs, condoms, and patches) while excluding abortion drugs, and guarantees individuals the right to receive, purchase, or use contraception under evidence-based medical guidelines. The bill also protects health care providers who decline to provide contraception based on religious or moral objections, and ensures health insurers cover contraceptive care. It allows lawsuits against state entities that restrict these rights, with penalties including court-ordered relief and attorney fees for successful plaintiffs.

Relating to the creation of an abortion approval committee, a framework for abortion, and an emergency medical exception; to amend and reenact sections 12.1‑19.1‑03, 14‑02.1‑02, 14‑02.1‑02.1, 14‑02.1‑02.2, and 14‑02.1‑03, subsection 1 of section 14‑02.1‑03.1, sections 14‑02.1‑05, 14‑02.1‑07, 14‑02.1‑08, 14‑02.1‑09, and 14‑10‑15, and subsection 3 of section 14‑10‑19 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to abortion procedures, consent, and reporting requirements; and to repeal sections 14‑02.1‑03.4, 14‑02.1‑03.5, and 14‑02.1‑04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to abortion restrictions.