Bill > HB1131

This bill, titled the Pregnancy Outcome Protection Act, aims to shield individuals who experience a pregnancy loss, defined as the unintentional or intentional death of a fetus or embryo during pregnancy or labor (including miscarriages, stillbirths, and self-managed abortions), from being investigated, facing civil lawsuits, or criminal charges, unless there is independent evidence of unrelated criminal conduct or consent is given to investigate another person's suspected criminal conduct related to the pregnancy. It also establishes a right for individuals to sue investigating entities that violate these protections and clarifies that a pregnancy loss alone cannot be used as probable cause for a search warrant, again with exceptions for independent evidence of unrelated criminal conduct or consent. Furthermore, healthcare providers, referred to as "providers" and including licensed professionals and facilities, are protected from investigation, criminal penalties, or civil liability for supporting a patient experiencing a pregnancy loss, and they cannot report or disclose medical records related to a pregnancy loss without specific exceptions like clear evidence of external abuse, independent evidence of unrelated criminal conduct, or the patient's consent. Violations of these provisions by providers, investigating entities (which include law enforcement and social services agencies), or any other person can result in misdemeanor charges with fines and potential imprisonment, with penalties increasing significantly for violations involving deception or false pretenses.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1131?ys=2026RS