§ 63-1-740.11. Nongovernmental entities providing alternatives-to-abortion services, funding - Annual reports - Contracts for services - Rules.

A.  Before July 1, 2007, the State Department of Health shall establish and implement a program to facilitate funding to nongovernmental entities that provide alternatives-to-abortion services.  The services must be outcome-based with positive outcome-based results.

B.  During the 2006 interim, the State Department of Health shall make annual reports to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate regarding the status of the alternatives-to-abortion services funding, the first of which must be made by December 1, 2006.

C.  The Department may contract with nongovernmental health care and special service organizations to provide services offered under the program.  The services must be outcome-based with positive outcome-based results.  The Department may not contract with a provider of adoption services not licensed by the state.

D.  The State Department of Health shall promulgate rules necessary to implement the provisions of this act.

E.  As used in this section, “alternatives-to-abortion services” means those services that promote childbirth instead of abortion by providing information, counseling, and support services that assist pregnant women or women who believe they may be pregnant to choose childbirth and to make informed decisions regarding the choice of adoption or parenting with respect to their children.

The information, counseling and services provided under this program may include, but are not limited to:

1.  Medical care;

2.  Nutritional services;

3.  Housing assistance;

4.  Adoption services;

5.  Educational and employment assistance, including services that support the continuation and completion of high school;

6.  Child care assistance; and

7.  Parenting education and support services.

Added by Laws 2006, c. 185, § 21, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.