Reproductive Equity Now, Advocates Testify Against 20-Week Abortion Ban Proposal

WATCH: Sr. Director of Policy & Programs Claire Teylouni testifies at NH House Judiciary Committee against 20-week abortion ban proposal

CONCORD (February 25, 2026) – Today, Reproductive Equity Now’s Senior Director of Policy & Programs, Claire Teylouni, testified in front of the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee in opposition to H.B. 1590, legislation that would establish a 20-week abortion ban in New Hampshire. After the Committee hearing, the Judiciary Committee entered into executive session during which they recommended the bill inexpedient to legislate (ITL), meaning they recommended that the bill not advance, on a 13-4 vote. You can watch Teylouni deliver her testimony before the committee HERE or read, as prepared for delivery, below. Teylouni also released a statement this morning ahead of the hearing, speaking to the dangers and broken promises behind this 20-week abortion ban.

Oral Testimony

February 25, 2026

Reproductive Equity Now Testimony Against 20 Week Abortion Ban

Claire Teylouni, Senior Director of Policy and Programs

New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee

*as prepared for delivery*

Good afternoon Chair Lynn, Vice Chair Mannion, and members of the House Judiciary Committee. For the record, my name is Claire Teylouni, and I am here on behalf of Reproductive Equity Now to testify in strong opposition to HB1590. 

This bill would grant legal rights to fetuses at 20 weeks gestation under the criminal code, a full month earlier than New Hampshire law currently restricts abortion care. In states that have taken similar steps to expand fetal personhood under homicide laws, we have seen a troubling rise in the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes and pregnancy loss, even when the law includes carveouts for abortion care. This is what is at stake for Granite Staters should you allow this bill to advance. 

When laws confer personhood status into the criminal code, pregnancy outcomes have the potential to become crime scenes. Health care providers become potential witnesses against their own patients. And pregnant women, especially those with low incomes or facing health challenges, become vulnerable to surveillance and prosecution.

HB 1590 dangerously merges a criminal statute with health care law. Criminal penalties for the commitment of a crime and the statutory authorization of health care services are not interchangeable. This bill risks turning deeply personal medical events into matters for law enforcement. That is not hypothetical – it is something we are all watching unfold across the country. 

New Hampshire should not follow that path. Granite Staters deserve compassionate health care —not criminalization. I urge you to find HB 1590 Inexpedient to Legislate. 

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