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HR 138 97th Congress House Health Children and youth Civil Rights and Liberties Consumer protection Drug safety and regulation Drugs Drugs and narcotics Informed consent (Medical law) Labeling Labeling laws Maternal and infant welfare Medical records Medical supplies Obstetrics Patients' rights Pregnancy Social Welfare Women's health Women's rights

Obstetric Care Information Act

Introduced: January 5, 1981 See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 97th Congress ended
It never became law before the 97th Congress (1981–1982) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 6 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Feb 6, 1981
Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.
Feb 2, 1981
Referred to Subcommittee on Health.
Feb 2, 1981
For Further Action See H.R.139.
Jan 5, 1981
Referred to House Committee on Ways and Means.
Jan 5, 1981
Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Jan 5, 1981
Introduced in House
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Obstetric Care Information Act - Amends title V (Maternal and Child Health) of the Social Security Act to require a State plan under such title to insure that a pregnant woman: (1) has the opportunity, upon her request, to inspect, copy, and have explained any medical records relating to her condition or treatment; (2) is informed, beforehand, of the side effects, risks, contraindications, and effectiveness of the procedures, drugs or devices, and of alternative methods of treatment; and (3) consents to treatment.

Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish guidelines with respect to the explanation of the side effects, risks, contraindications, and effectiveness of drugs and devices intended for use by pregnant women. Deems misbranded any drug or device offered for sale to a woman for use during pregnancy or parturition which does not meet such guidelines.

Directs the Secretary to arrange for a study to determine the long-term side effects, risks, contraindications, and effectiveness of the use of obstetrical drugs, devices, and procedures with respect to maternal health and child development and to report to Congress concerning such study.

Authorizes appropriations for such study.

What's happening now February 6, 1981

Referred to Subcommittee on Health and the Environment.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Committees of jurisdiction 4
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 138: Obstetric Care Information Act. 97th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/97-HR-138/
MLA
"H.R. 138: Obstetric Care Information Act." 97th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/97-HR-138/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 138, 97th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/97-HR-138/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 138: Obstetric Care Information Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/97-HR-138/)
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