Safeguarding Teens From Out Of State (abortion) Procedures Act; create felony for assisting minors in procuring abortion.
If enacted, HB1005 would amend existing Mississippi legislation to further restrict access to abortion services for minors, reinforcing the requirement for parental consent. It asserts the rights of parents and guardians to make healthcare decisions in their child's best interest and includes legal ramifications for those who facilitate an abortion without parental knowledge. The penalties are severe, ranging from a minimum of twenty years to life in prison or fines between $50,000 and $500,000. This broad authority and the provision to pursue civil remedies enhance the bill's enforcement mechanism against violations.
House Bill 1005, also known as the Safeguarding Teens from Out-of-State (Abortion) Procedures (STOP) Act, seeks to establish a legal framework aimed at protecting minors regarding abortion procedures. The bill defines a range of terms related to abortion and its provisions, focusing particularly on minors. It creates a felony offense for anyone who procures an abortion or abortion-inducing drug for a minor girl or who aids in the procurement of such an abortion by harboring or transporting the minor with the intent to conceal the abortion from her parents or guardians. The act also emphasizes the necessity for parental involvement in minor’s healthcare decisions, asserting that significant medical procedures, including abortions, should involve parental consultation.
The bill has sparked significant debate among legislators, advocates, and the public. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to ensure the involvement of parents in critical healthcare decisions affecting minors, framing it as a protective measure. Conversely, opponents contend that it infringes on reproductive rights and imposes undue burdens on minors who might seek abortions, especially in cases involving abuse or unsafe situations. Critics fear that by criminalizing assistance in procuring abortions for minors, the bill would deter minors from seeking necessary healthcare, potentially risking their safety and well-being.