Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB5806

Introduced
9/28/23  

Caption

Ending Chemical Abortions Act of 2023

Impact

If enacted, HB5806 would result in a redefinition of the legal framework surrounding abortions in the United States. It aims to rename Chapter 74 of Title 18 to emphasize 'Abortion crimes,' thereby highlighting the federal government’s stance against chemical abortion practices. Proponents argue that this legislation is necessary to protect women from potential complications associated with chemical abortions, which studies show occur at a higher rate than surgical procedures. However, critics contend that this bill would drastically limit access to safe and effective abortion methods, impacting women's reproductive rights.

Summary

House Bill 5806, titled the 'Ending Chemical Abortions Act of 2023', proposes significant amendments to federal law regarding chemical abortions. Specifically, the bill seeks to prohibit the prescription, dispensing, or distribution of any medication intended to induce an abortion. This prohibition would come with severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 25 years. The bill reflects a broader movement among certain legislators aimed at rolling back access to abortion services, specifically chemical methods, which have gained popularity in the United States since their introduction in 2000.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB5806 include the implications for women's health and autonomy. Opponents claim that prohibiting chemical abortions infringes on women's rights to make choices about their own bodies and health care. Legislative debates are likely to intensely focus on the ethics of restricting access to reproductive healthcare and the potential health risks that women may face should access to these medications be hindered. Additionally, there's concern regarding how such a federal prohibition might interact with state laws that might allow for chemical abortions through different regulatory frameworks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB629

Ending Chemical Abortions Act of 2025

US HB421

Teleabortion Prevention Act of 2023 This bill restricts the use of telehealth for chemical abortions (also known as medication abortions). Specifically, it requires a provider who dispenses or prescribes medication for a chemical abortion to physically examine the patient, be physically present at the location of the chemical abortion, and schedule a follow-up visit for the patient. The bill provides an exception for a chemical abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, injury, or condition. The bill establishes criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to two years, or both—for a provider who does not comply with the requirements. A patient who undergoes a chemical abortion may not be prosecuted.

US HB1525

Protecting Life from Chemical Abortions Act

US HB862

Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2023

US HB4303

Abortion Justice Act of 2023

US HB6532

Renewable Chemicals Act of 2023

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 HB2570

Safeguarding Women’s and Children’s Health Act of 2023

US HB175

Heartbeat Protection Act of 2023 This bill makes it a crime for a physician to knowingly perform an abortion (1) without determining whether the unborn child has a detectable heartbeat, (2) without informing the mother of the results, or (3) after determining that a unborn child has a detectable heartbeat. A physician who performs a prohibited abortion is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. The bill provides an exception for an abortion that is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life is endangered by a physical (but not psychological or emotional) disorder, illness, or condition. It also provides exceptions for certain pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest. A physician who performs or attempts to perform an abortion under an exception must comply with specified requirements. A woman who undergoes a prohibited abortion may not be prosecuted for violating or conspiring to violate the provisions of this bill.

US HB792

Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.