House Bill No. by Representative Boyd seeks to amend the existing abortion laws in Louisiana by providing exceptions for cases of rape and incest. The bill introduces new legal language that expands the definition of abortion to include provisions that allow for the termination of a pregnancy resulting from a sexual offense, as defined in current law. Specifically, the bill adds a new clause under R.S. 14:87.1(1)(b)(vii) that states such terminations shall not be considered abortions if performed by a physician.
Additionally, the proposed law clarifies that the provisions will not require a police or investigatory report, forensic evidence from the pregnant individual, or a prosecution of the alleged offense. This aims to ensure that individuals who have experienced such traumatic events can access necessary medical care without the burden of legal prerequisites. Overall, the bill seeks to provide a more compassionate approach to abortion laws in cases of sexual violence.