The bill enacts R.S. 46:972.1, establishing the Louisiana Pregnancy and Baby Care Initiative within the Department of Children and Family Services. This initiative aims to enhance resources that promote childbirth over abortion for women facing unplanned pregnancies, offering a range of services such as pregnancy support, parenting assistance, and adoption help. The program will be managed by a general contractor, a single nonprofit organization that will subcontract with various nonprofit pregnancy centers and social service organizations to deliver these services. The general contractor is responsible for marketing the initiative and developing a website to inform residents about available services.

The initiative will provide specific services, including counseling, referrals, educational classes, and material assistance to eligible participants, which include pregnant women, biological fathers, and parents of young children. The program will be implemented on August 1, 2024, replacing the existing Alternatives to Abortion Program, and will be funded separately in the General Appropriations Act. Importantly, the initiative prohibits the use of funds for any abortion-related activities, ensuring that no resources are allocated to organizations that perform or promote abortions. The Department of Children and Family Services is tasked with overseeing the program and will report annually to the legislature on its status and effectiveness.