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 violating the Act from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony. Additionally, it introduces a new provision that imposes a Class D felony charge and a $50,000 fine for licensed healthcare providers, pharmacists, or other individuals or entities that prescribe or deliver abortion-inducing drugs in violation of the Act.

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. Additionally, it establishes that violations of the Act are considered deceptive trade practices, subject to enforcement under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, while ensuring that no civil liability is assessed against the pregnant woman upon whom the abortion is performed.

Statutes affected:
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