H.R. 215, the Adoption Information Act, would require certain federal family planning programs funded under Title V of the Social Security Act to provide patients with a pamphlet that lists all adoption centers in the region, including each center’s address and telephone number. The requirement applies at the time a patient asks about medical or abortion services and must offer the patient an opportunity to read the pamphlet. The Department of Health and Human Services (or its successor) would be responsible for preparing, updating annually, and distributing these pamphlets to affected projects. The bill specifies that no new funds be appropriated for this provision beyond what is already allocated to Title V programs. In short, if enacted, the bill would add an informational requirement tied to federal family planning grants, ensuring patients are given adoption-centered resources and contact information during the course of seeking family planning or abortion-related services.
Key Points
- 1Notable provision: Adds a new Sec. 514 to Title V of the Social Security Act, requiring that, for any Title V family planning project or program, a pamphlet with adoption center information be provided to each patient upon inquiry about medical or abortion services.
- 2Contents of the pamphlet: Must include a comprehensive list of adoption centers in the region (as determined by the Secretary) and the address and telephone number of each center.
- 3Patient access: The patient must be given an opportunity to read the pamphlet.
- 4Secretary’s duties: The Secretary must prepare, annually update, and distribute the required pamphlets to every relevant project or program.
- 5Funding limitation: No additional funds may be used for this provision beyond funds already appropriated to Title V.