Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB451

Introduced
1/24/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

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.

Summary

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.

Contention

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR1043

Expressing support for continued access to fertility care and assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization, in light of the Supreme Court of Alabama's ruling that has jeopardized access to in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technology.

US HB1753

Relating to the right to assistive reproductive technology treatments and procedures, including in vitro fertilization.

US HB585

Relating to the right to assistive reproductive technology treatments and procedures, including in vitro fertilization.

US HB3132

Relating to reporting requirements for assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization.

US SB2447

Relating to reporting requirements for assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization.

US HB454

Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023 This bill makes changes to the federal law prohibiting child sexual tourism. First, the bill revises the specific intent required for certain offenses involving interstate or foreign travel to engage in or facilitate illicit sexual conduct. Specifically, this bill requires the government to prove that an individual traveled (or facilitated travel) with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct (currently, with a motivating purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct). Further, it specifies that the term intent is to be construed as any intention to engage in illicit sexual conduct at the time of the travel. Second, the bill establishes new criminal offenses for acts in furtherance of illicit sexual conduct by an officer, director, employee, or agent of an organization through his or her connection to or affiliation with the organization. A violation is subject to a fine, a prison term of up to 30 years, or both. Finally, the bill specifies that the term sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense does not require interpersonal physical contact.

US HB367

Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act This bill makes non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) associated with criminal gangs inadmissible for entry into the United States and deportable. The bill also establishes procedures to designate groups with criminal gang status. An individual shall be inadmissible if a consular officer, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or the Department of Justice knows or has reason to believe that the individual is or was a criminal gang member or has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities. An individual who is or was a member of such a gang, or has participated or aided such a group's illegal activities, shall be deportable. Such individuals must be subject to mandatory detention. Furthermore, such individuals shall not be eligible for (1) asylum; (2) temporary protected status; (3) special immigrant juvenile visas; or (4) parole, unless they are assisting the government in a law enforcement matter. The bill defines a criminal gang as a group of five or more persons (1) where one of its primary purposes is committing specified criminal offenses and its members have engaged in a continuing series of such offenses within the past five years, or (2) that has been designated as a criminal gang by DHS. The bill also establishes procedures for DHS to designate a group as a criminal gang, including notifying Congress, publishing a notice in the Federal Register, and providing an opportunity for the group to petition for administrative and judicial review of the designation.

US HB1186

Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Robots Act 2.0 or the CREEPER Act 2.0 This bill establishes new federal criminal offenses for conduct involving child sex dolls. Specifically, it makes it a crime to import, transport, buy, sell, distribute, or possess a child sex doll. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term, or both.

US HR1346

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7056) to prohibit the limitation of access to assisted reproductive technology, and all medical care surrounding such technology.

US HB30

Stop Human Trafficking in School Zones Act This bill establishes an enhanced penalty—an additional prison term of up to five years—for certain human trafficking offenses and sex offenses involving minors that occur within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a school, school-sponsored activity, playground, or public housing facility; or within 100 feet of certain other places where children gather (e.g., a youth center or swimming pool). The additional prison term must be served consecutively with the prison term imposed for the underlying offense.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.