Sponsors (146)
The bill protects and facilitates interstate access to lawful abortion and legal remedies for patients and providers, at the cost of increased federal‑state tensions, litigation exposure, and potential financial burdens on States and taxpayers.
People seeking abortion care can travel to another State and obtain abortions lawful there without state officials blocking or penalizing them.
Health care providers in States that permit abortion can serve out-of-state patients without interference from state actors in patients' home States, preserving cross‑border clinical access and continuity of care.
Access to FDA‑approved medication abortion across State lines is preserved when consistent with federal law, protecting medication availability for patients who rely on it.
State governments and taxpayers may face increased litigation, legal defense costs, and potential judgments as States challenge or are found to have violated the Act's prohibitions.
Residents and officials in States that restrict abortion could see their State enforcement authority curtailed, heightening federalism tensions and disputes over State vs. federal power.
Broad definitions of prohibited interference and civil liability (including emotional damages) could spur numerous lawsuits and create legal uncertainty for state officials, health care providers, and organizations that assist patients.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits state interference with interstate abortions, travel for lawful abortions, assistance, and interstate shipment of FDA-approved abortion drugs, and creates federal and private civil remedies.
Stops state officials from blocking or punishing people who cross state lines for abortions or who help provide or obtain abortions that are legal where they occur, and protects the interstate shipment of FDA-approved pregnancy termination drugs. It lets the U.S. Attorney General seek court orders and allows people harmed by state interference to sue for injunctions, damages (including emotional and economic), and attorney fees. Defines covered terms, extends the protections to entities that assist patients or providers, clarifies that the law preserves the right to travel and existing Department of Justice powers, and includes severability rules so other parts remain if one part is struck down.
Official title: To prohibit the interference, under color of State law, with the provision of interstate abortion services, and for other purposes.
Introduced June 24, 2025 by Elizabeth Pannill Fletcher · Last progress June 24, 2025