# Plain Language Summary: Second Chance at Life Act of 2021

This bill requires doctors who perform medication abortions to inform patients that it may be possible to reverse the abortion if they change their mind. Specifically, it applies to the two-drug abortion process where a patient first takes mifepristone (the first drug) and then misoprostol (the second drug), typically taken a day or two later. Under this bill, at least 24 hours before providing the first drug, a doctor or clinic staff member would need to tell the patient by phone or in person that reversal might be possible if they change their mind, and direct them to a government website with more information. After giving the first drug, doctors would also need to provide written discharge instructions mentioning the reversal possibility.

The bill requires abortion clinics to post visible signs in waiting rooms and consultation areas stating that abortion reversal information is available. It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create and maintain a website with information about abortion reversal, available in multiple languages. The bill includes an exception for medical emergencies where a woman's life is in danger—in those cases, the notification requirements don't apply, though doctors must document the medical emergency in the patient's file.

The bill creates a way for patients, fathers, or parents to sue abortion providers for damages if they believe the provider violated these requirements. However, someone cannot sue if their pregnancy resulted from their own criminal conduct. If someone wins such a lawsuit, the provider must pay their attorney's fees. The bill also allows states to create even stricter requirements than what this federal law establishes, and it includes a provision that if any part of the law is found unconstitutional, the rest remains in effect.

Second Chance at Life Act of 2021

Lamborn, Doug

Second Chance at Life Act of 2021 This bill requires abortion providers to disclose information about the possibility of reversing a medication abortion. This is a procedure that uses a medication regimen to terminate a pregnancy, typically with a two-drug protocol.&nbsp; Providers must inform patients that it may be possible to reverse the effects of a medication abortion after taking the first drug. They must also let patients know that more information and assistance is available on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website. At least 24 hours before the procedure, the provider must share this information with the patient in person or by telephone. The provider must also include the information in written discharge instructions after the first drug is dispensed. The bill sets out an exception to these notification requirements when an abortion is necessary to resolve a physical injury or condition that threatens the life of the woman. The provider must document the circumstances giving rise to the exception in the patient's medical file. Furthermore, providers must post signs with this information in their offices or facilities, and HHS must maintain information about reversing medication abortions on its website.