This bill amends existing Louisiana law regarding extortion and introduces new provisions related to coerced abortion. It specifically defines coerced abortion as the act of using or threatening physical force, control, or intimidation against a pregnant woman to compel her to undergo an abortion against her will. The bill outlines specific actions that constitute coercion, including battery, assault, simple kidnapping, false imprisonment, and extortion.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of extortion to include threats aimed at compelling a pregnant woman to have an abortion. It establishes penalties for those found guilty of coerced abortion, which may include a fine of up to five thousand dollars and imprisonment for up to five years, with the possibility of hard labor. The changes aim to strengthen legal protections for pregnant women against coercive practices related to abortion.

Statutes affected:
HB425 Original: 40:7(A)(1)
HB425 Engrossed: 14:66(A)
HB425 Enrolled: 14:66(A)
HB425 Act 275: 14:66(A)