Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB846

Introduced
1/31/25  

Caption

SAD Act Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act

Impact

If enacted, HB 846 would implement strict regulations against deceptive advertising regarding abortion services. This includes prohibiting any misleading advertisements that falsely suggest an organization offers abortion services or is staffed by licensed medical professionals. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be empowered to enforce these regulations, ensuring those who violate them could face substantial civil penalties, potentially reaching up to $100,000 per violation. This legislative action is positioned as a means to protect consumers from fraudulent practices that obstruct access to authentic reproductive health care.

Summary

House Bill 846, known as the 'Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act' (SAD Act), is designed to combat the spread of misinformation surrounding abortion services. The bill acknowledges that abortion services are crucial for reproductive health care, especially in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which allowed many states to impose significant restrictions on abortion access. The introduction of this bill stems from a growing concern about the increase in travel times for individuals seeking abortions and the misleading advertising practices employed by certain organizations, particularly Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs).

Contention

The bill is expected to face contention as it defines a clear regulatory boundary for how abortion services can be advertised and presented to the public. Critics may argue that such regulations could have implications for free speech and the rights of organizations to present their purpose. On the other hand, supporters highlight the necessity of the bill in safeguarding individuals against the deceptive practices of CPCs that often mislead women and marginalized individuals seeking timely and accurate reproductive health information. Notably, the bill seeks to address the disproportionate impact of misinformation on under-resourced communities, making it a critical issue within the broader context of healthcare equity.

Congress_id

119-HR-846

Introduced_date

2025-01-31

Companion Bills

US SB589

Same As SAD Act Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act

Previously Filed As

US HB2736

SAD Act Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act

US SB1231

SAD Act Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act

US HB4268

Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2023

US HR1555

Condemning the spreading of disinformation and malicious rumors that have led to threats against disaster response personnel.

US HB12

Women's Health Protection Act of 2023 This bill prohibits governmental restrictions on the provision of, and access to, abortion services. Before fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from using particular abortion procedures or drugs, offering abortion services via telemedicine, or immediately providing abortion services if delaying risks the patient's health. Furthermore, governments may not require providers to perform unnecessary medical procedures, provide medically inaccurate information, or comply with credentialing or other conditions that do not apply to providers who offer medically comparable services to abortions. Additionally, governments may not require patients to make medically unnecessary in-person visits before receiving abortion services or disclose their reasons for obtaining services. After fetal viability, governments may not restrict providers from performing abortions when necessary to protect a patient's life and health. The same provisions that apply to abortions before viability also apply to necessary abortions after viability. Additionally, states may authorize post-viability abortions in circumstances beyond those that the bill considers necessary. Further, the bill recognizes an individual's right to interstate travel, including for abortion services. The bill also prohibits governments from implementing measures that are similar to those restricted by the bill or that otherwise single out and impede access to abortion services, unless the measure significantly advances the safety of abortion services or health of patients and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The Department of Justice, individuals, or providers may sue states or government officials to enforce this bill, regardless of certain immunity that would otherwise apply.

US HCR95

Expressing support for the recognition of March 10, 2024, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day".

US SR833

A resolution countering disinformation, propaganda, and misinformation in Latin America and the Caribbean, and calling for multi-stakeholder efforts to address the significant detrimental effects that the rise in disinformation, propaganda, and misinformation in regional information environments has on democratic governance, human rights, and United States national interests.

US HB9807

Strengthening Access to Contraceptive Care Act

US HB7059

ACCESS Act of 2024 Abortion Care Capacity Enhancement and Support Services Act of 2024

US SCR30

A concurrent resolution expressing support for the recognition of March 10, 2024, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day".

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