The "Ban Offshore Abortion Tourism Act," or "BOAT Act," seeks to prohibit abortions within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States. It establishes a new federal offense for knowingly performing an abortion that results in the death of a human fetus in these areas, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. However, the bill outlines exceptions for abortions medically necessary to save the pregnant woman's life due to a physical condition. Further exceptions apply if the pregnancy resulted from rape of an adult woman who received prior counseling or medical treatment, or from rape or incest involving a minor where the incident was reported to authorities. Importantly, the legislation explicitly protects the woman undergoing the abortion from prosecution. It also creates civil remedies, allowing a woman or a parent of a minor to sue the person who performed a violating abortion for various damages, including attorney's fees.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Crime and Law Enforcement
AbortionCivil actions and liabilityLegal fees and court costsNavigation, waterways, harbors
BOAT Act
USA119th CongressHR-1639| House
| Updated: 2/26/2025
The "Ban Offshore Abortion Tourism Act," or "BOAT Act," seeks to prohibit abortions within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction of the United States. It establishes a new federal offense for knowingly performing an abortion that results in the death of a human fetus in these areas, punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. However, the bill outlines exceptions for abortions medically necessary to save the pregnant woman's life due to a physical condition. Further exceptions apply if the pregnancy resulted from rape of an adult woman who received prior counseling or medical treatment, or from rape or incest involving a minor where the incident was reported to authorities. Importantly, the legislation explicitly protects the woman undergoing the abortion from prosecution. It also creates civil remedies, allowing a woman or a parent of a minor to sue the person who performed a violating abortion for various damages, including attorney's fees.