Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SCR7

Introduced
1/28/26  
Refer
2/13/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  
Engrossed
4/9/26  
Refer
4/10/26  
Report Pass
4/24/26  

Caption

Affirming And Supporting The Requirement That Hospitals Provide Life-saving Emergency Care To Pregnant People, Including Reproductive And Abortion Services, When Such Care Is Medically Necessary To Stabilize A Patient Under The Emergency Medical Treatment And Active Labor Act.

Impact

SCR7 seeks to fortify the legal framework surrounding emergency medical treatment for pregnant individuals in Hawaii. By clarifying the obligations of healthcare providers under EMTALA, this bill directly confronts the challenges that arise from inconsistent federal policies and the potential for delays or denials of crucial emergency care, especially in states where abortion access is restricted. The resolution advocates for hospitals to maintain best practices that ensure timely and necessary medical interventions, which can be lifesaving for patients experiencing complications during pregnancy.

Summary

SCR7, known as the Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 7, emphasizes the requirement for hospitals in Hawaii to provide life-saving emergency care to pregnant individuals, including reproductive and abortion services when medically necessary. This resolution reaffirms existing regulations set forth by the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), which mandates that hospitals deliver stabilizing treatment regardless of a patient's ability to pay. The bill aims to clear up confusion surrounding the appropriate application of EMTALA, particularly in light of recent shifts in federal guidance regarding emergency abortion care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SCR7 reflects Hawaii's commitment to uphold the integrity of emergency healthcare for pregnant individuals and reinforces a proactive stance on reproductive health. It positions Hawaii among states taking robust actions to safeguard access to medical services essential for the well-being of pregnant patients, particularly amidst a landscape of shifting national policies. The resolution aims to ensure that no pregnant person is deprived of necessary emergency care, thereby enhancing public trust in the healthcare system.

Contention

Notably, the bill contends with ongoing national debates regarding abortion access and medical care. While it seeks to protect pregnant individuals from potential harms caused by delays in receiving necessary treatments, some opponents may argue against mandated services due to moral or religious beliefs. The resolution pushes back against conscience-based objections asserted by certain religiously affiliated hospitals, which have historically been wary of providing abortion services. The urgency of this bill stems from the potential for preventable health complications or fatalities in the absence of immediate medical care.

Companion Bills

HI HCR6

Same As Affirming And Supporting The Requirement That Hospitals Provide Life-saving Emergency Care To Pregnant People, Including Reproductive And Abortion Services, When Such Care Is Medically Necessary To Stabilize A Patient Under The Emergency Medical Treatment And Active Labor Act.

HI SR7

Same As Affirming And Supporting The Requirement That Hospitals Provide Life-saving Emergency Care To Pregnant People, Including Reproductive And Abortion Services, When Such Care Is Medically Necessary To Stabilize A Patient Under The Emergency Medical Treatment And Active Labor Act.

Previously Filed As

HI HB1179

Relating To Rural Emergency Hospitals.

HI SB556

Relating To Rural Emergency Hospitals.

HI SB866

Relating To Emergency Medical Services.

HI HCR144

Requesting The Attorney General To Investigate Whether Crisis Pregnancy Centers Operating In The State Are Complying With Patient Privacy Regulations.

HI HR138

Requesting The Attorney General To Investigate Whether Crisis Pregnancy Centers Operating In The State Are Complying With Patient Privacy Regulations.

HI SB1425

Relating To The State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee.

HI SCR67

Requesting The Department Of Human Resources Development And The State Agencies Comprising The State's Public Mental Health Care System To Cooperate More Closely To Determine The Necessary Actions To Expedite The Hiring And Filling Of Critical Vacancies, Including Solutions To Address The Obstacles And Challenges Unique To The Mental Health Care Workforce.

HI SR51

Requesting The Department Of Human Resources Development And The State Agencies Comprising The State's Public Mental Health Care System To Cooperate More Closely To Determine The Necessary Actions To Expedite The Hiring And Filling Of Critical Vacancies, Including Solutions To Address The Obstacles And Challenges Unique To The Mental Health Care Workforce.

HI HB1106

Relating To The State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee.

HI SB1271

Relating To The Termination Of Pregnancy.

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