The bill amends Arkansas law concerning criminal abortion by introducing a new offense titled "coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud." This new section, designated as 5-61-103, defines the offense as knowingly administering or providing an abortion-inducing drug to a pregnant woman without her knowledge or consent, with the intent to cause an abortion.
Under this legislation, individuals found guilty of this offense will face serious penalties, classified as a Class C felony, or a Class B felony if the gestational age of the unborn child exceeds three months at the time of the violation. Additionally, the bill clarifies that prosecution under this new section does not preclude other legal actions if the use of the abortion-inducing drug results in the death or bodily injury of the pregnant woman.