Protecting Families from Fertility Fraud Act of 2023 This bill establishes a new federal criminal offense for knowingly misrepresenting the nature or source of DNA used in assisted reproductive technology or assisted insemination. The term assisted reproductive technology includes any treatment or procedure that involves the handling of human oocytes or embryos, such as in vitro fertilization, gamete intrafallopian transfer, and zygote intrafallopian transfer. The term assisted insemination includes any procedure that involves the handling of sperm including intrauterine insemination. A violation is subject to a fine, a prison term of up to 10 years, or both. Additionally, the bill makes the violation a predicate offense (i.e., an underlying offense) for prosecutions under the federal racketeering statute.
If enacted, this bill would make it a federal crime to provide false information regarding DNA in ART settings, including penalties of fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years. Additionally, it creates the potential to categorize such offenses as racketeering activities, thereby broadening the scope of legal action that can be taken against offenders. The implications of this bill extend to safeguarding both the rights of parents and the ethical standards within the reproductive health sector, reflecting a strong stance against deceptive practices that could compromise family planning decisions.
House Bill 451, known as the Protecting Families from Fertility Fraud Act of 2023, aims to address the growing concerns surrounding abuse in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Specifically, the bill establishes a new federal criminal offense for knowingly misrepresenting the nature or source of DNA utilized in ART procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer, and assisted insemination. This legislation reflects a response to instances where individuals may deceive prospective parents regarding genetic parentage, thus undermining their reproductive autonomy and the integrity of ART practices.
The bill may spark debate regarding the degree of federal regulation in areas traditionally governed by state law, particularly in reproductive health services. Critics may argue that while the aim to protect families is important, the implementation of such federal statutes could complicate existing medical and ethical frameworks surrounding assisted reproductive technologies. It's crucial to balance the enforcement of this law against the potential risks of overregulating medical practices that are already sensitive and highly individualized.