Committee considers state EMTALA protections and private ‘Safe Harbor’ fund as critics and backers clash

HARTFORD — The Public Health Committee heard hours of testimony March 24 on SB 7, a sweeping public health bill that would create state‑level rules to ensure hospitals provide stabilizing emergency care and would establish a privately funded “Safe Harbor” account to help patients travel to Connecticut for reproductive and gender-affirming care.

Proponents argued the bill addresses gaps left by shifting federal enforcement and the post‑Dobbs landscape. Alma Nunley and Emily Gate, cospecial counsel at the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office, urged the committee to adopt language that would clarify state protections in the event federal enforcement of EMTALA changes. “Rather than wait and see… Connecticut should enact legislation to provide clarity and ensure its residents continue to have protections when they are at their most vulnerable,” Nunley told lawmakers.

Nut graf: The bill merges an array of public‑health measures. It would (a) require hospitals with emergency departments to provide stabilizing care for pregnancy‑related emergencies, consistent with EMTALA; (b) protect providers who give medically accurate information, counseling or referrals; and (c) create…