This bill would make it a federal crime to perform an abortion in U.S. waters and international waters under American maritime jurisdiction. Anyone performing such an abortion could face up to five years in prison and fines, though exceptions would be made for abortions necessary to save the pregnant woman's life, pregnancies resulting from rape (with certain conditions), and pregnancies resulting from incest involving minors (if reported to authorities). The legislation would also allow women and parents to file civil lawsuits against those who perform abortions in violation of the law, potentially recovering damages, triple the abortion cost in statutory damages, and punitive damages. Notably, the pregnant woman herself could not be prosecuted under the law, though she could still sue for damages. The bill does not specify any appropriations or implementation timeline.
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