Forced Abortion Prevention Act (S. 2955)

Summary

Makes it a federal crime to give a pregnant woman a drug to cause an abortion if she did not agree to it first.

What problem does this solve?

A person could secretly give a pregnant woman a drug to end her pregnancy against her will, which is a form of abuse. This bill creates a specific federal crime with severe punishments, including long prison sentences, to stop this act and provide justice for victims.

What does this bill do?

New federal crime for forced abortion

Makes it a federal crime to knowingly give a pregnant woman an abortion-inducing drug without her informed consent, punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

Additional penalties for harm to the woman

Adds up to 25 more years in prison if giving the drug results in serious bodily injury or death to the woman.

Allows victims to sue for damages

Lets a woman who was given an abortion drug without consent sue the person responsible for money, including punitive damages and attorney's fees.

Broadens definition of conspiracy

Includes selling or mailing an abortion drug without taking 'reasonable measures' to ensure the person getting it is a pregnant woman who wants an abortion.

Changes federal law chapter title

Amends the title of Chapter 74 of the U.S. Code from 'Partial-birth abortions' to the more general term 'Abortions'.

Who does this affect?

Pregnant women
Distributors of abortion-inducing drugs

What is the real world impact?

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Protects women from reproductive coercion

Creates specific federal crimes and penalties to punish individuals who force a woman to have an abortion by secretly giving her an abortion-inducing drug. This provides a legal tool to combat a form of abuse.

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Creates potential hurdles for mail-order abortion pills

Defines conspiracy broadly, requiring distributors to take 'reasonable measures' to verify consent. Critics might argue this could slow down or complicate access to abortion pills obtained through the mail, even for women who want them.

When does this start?

The rules would go into effect as soon as the bill is signed into law.