House Bill No. 425, introduced by Representative Carlson, aims to amend existing laws regarding coerced abortion in Louisiana. The bill modifies R.S. 14:66, which defines extortion, by adding a new type of threat that constitutes extortion: a threat intended to compel a pregnant woman to have an abortion. Additionally, the bill enacts R.S. 14:66(A)(7) to include a general threat to do harm as a form of extortion. The definition of coerced abortion is also updated in R.S. 14:87.6, changing the requirement from "intentionally" to "knowingly" engaging in the use or threatened use of physical force, control, or intimidation against a pregnant woman to compel her to undergo an abortion against her will.

The bill further clarifies what constitutes physical force, control, or intimidation by listing specific actions such as battery, assault, simple kidnapping, false imprisonment, and extortion. The penalties for committing coerced abortion are also revised, allowing for imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to five years, in addition to a fine of up to $5,000. Overall, the bill seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding coerced abortion and enhance protections for pregnant women against such coercive actions.

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