Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR7

Introduced
1/28/26  
Refer
2/13/26  
Report Pass
4/8/26  

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

By affirming the necessity of providing comprehensive emergency care, SR7 reinforces the responsibilities of hospitals within Hawaii to prioritize patient health and safety, particularly for pregnant individuals facing life-threatening conditions. The resolution aims to eliminate ambiguities that have led some hospitals to delay or deny vital care, especially in regions where abortion access is restricted due to political pressures. Establishing clear state support for these practices helps ensure that Hawaii's medical facilities align with recognized federal standards.

Summary

Senate Resolution 7 (SR7) of Hawaii affirms the requirement under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) that hospitals provide life-saving emergency care to pregnant individuals. This includes access to reproductive and abortion services when such treatment is necessary to stabilize a patient. The resolution addresses current confusions arising from shifts in federal policy regarding the provision of emergency abortion care, particularly after the rescindment of previous guidance that mandated such care under EMTALA.

Contention

The resolution emerges against a backdrop of national concern wherein some hospitals, especially those with religious affiliations, have resisted providing emergency abortion care, citing conscience objections. However, SR7 explicitly states that EMTALA does not allow for such religious exemptions, thereby promoting a uniform standard of care that all hospitals must uphold. This stance may lead to contention among different healthcare stakeholders, with potential pushback from those opposed to abortion on ethical or religious grounds.

Companion Bills

HI HR5

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 SCR7

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 HB1106

Relating To The State Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee.

HI SB1271

Relating To The Termination Of Pregnancy.

HI SR26

Strongly Supporting And Recommending The Implementation Of The Revised 2025 Hawaii Patient Bill Of Rights.

HI SR28

Strongly Supporting And Recommending The Implementation Of The Revised 2025 Hawaii Patient Bill Of Rights.

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IA HF518

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IA HF326

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HI SB2292

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