The state House of Representatives on Friday passed Senate Bill 1 SD2, which would ensure that women in Hawaii have access to safe reproductive health care following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson.
With the bill passing third reading in both chambers, the measure heads to Gov. Josh Green’s desk for his signature.
“It is imperative that we strengthen the state’s policy to affirm protection of the rights of individuals to obtain reproductive care,” Majority Leader Nadine K. Nakamura of Kauai said in a statement. “Today’s vote ensures the protection of our daughters, sisters and our future generations.”
The bill establishes that the state will not deny or interfere with a person’s right to an abortion and prohibits releasing information about reproductive health care services.
The measure also allows licensed physician assistants to perform certain abortions and shields medical providers in Hawaii from legal action from other states.
“I am deeply grateful for the broad community support for Senate Bill 1 SD2 both in the House and Senate,” Rep. Linda Ichiyama of Oahu said in a statement. “We heard directly from nurses and doctors how important this measure is to their ability to practice medicine. I am proud to stand by Hawaii’s health care providers and ensure that they are protected from out-of-state litigation and are able to care for our families.”