The bill amends the Abortion-Inducing Drugs Safety Act to increase criminal penalties and clarify civil penalties associated with violations of the Act. Specifically, it reclassifies the offense of intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly violating the provisions of the Act from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony. Additionally, it establishes that licensed healthcare providers, pharmacists, or other individuals or entities who prescribe or approve the sale of abortion-inducing drugs in violation of the Act will also be guilty of a Class D felony and subject to a fine of $50,000 per violation.

Furthermore, the bill expands civil remedies available to individuals affected by violations of the Act. It allows women who have undergone a drug-induced abortion in violation of the Act, as well as the fathers of the unborn children, to seek actual and punitive damages against violators. The bill also permits various parties, including spouses, parents, guardians, and prosecuting attorneys, to pursue injunctive relief against violators. It clarifies that a violation of the Act constitutes a deceptive trade practice and ensures that no civil liability is assessed against the pregnant woman upon whom the abortion is performed. Additionally, it includes provisions for protecting the privacy of women involved in such cases.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1678 V2 - 4-14-2025 09:25 AM: 20-16-1506(a), 20-16-1506
Old version HB1678 Original - 3-4-2025 03:30 PM: 20-16-1506(a), 20-16-1506
HB 1678: 20-16-1506(a), 20-16-1506