The bill aims to prevent out-of-state abortion arrangements for minors and give Congress authority to address interstate circumvention, but it does so by expanding federal criminal authority and jurisdiction—raising high risks of prosecution, chilling travel and privacy, legal uncertainty, and disproportionate harm to low-income people and assisting organizations.
Parents and guardians in states that restrict abortion gain a federal backstop that could make it harder for others to arrange out-of-state abortions for their minor children without parental consent.
The bill creates a congressional pathway to establish uniform federal rules addressing minors and interstate abortion travel, giving lawmakers the option to craft (or clarify) national standards rather than leaving the matter solely to a patchwork of state laws.
Minors seeking abortion care and people who assist them (family, friends, escorts) could face federal criminal charges for facilitating out-of-state abortion access.
Nonprofits, medical-escort programs, transportation providers, and healthcare providers risk prosecution and severe penalties for helping people travel for abortion care, which will deter organizations that provide essential assistance.
The bill’s placeholder authority to add criminal provisions into Title 18 creates substantial legal uncertainty and risk that future criminal rules will apply retroactively or unpredictably to minors, parents, providers, and helpers.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Creates a new federal crime for knowingly transporting or otherwise helping a minor cross state lines (or use interstate commerce) to evade a state law that restricts abortion. It defines key terms, authorizes federal prosecution and penalties for individuals and conspiracies, and becomes effective 45 days after enactment. Also adds placeholder entries to the criminal code table of chapters and includes a severability clause so surviving provisions remain if some parts are found unconstitutional.
Introduced January 15, 2026 by Ashley Brooke Moody · Last progress January 15, 2026