This bill, titled the "Second Chance at Life Act of 2025," aims to ensure that women considering a chemical abortion are fully informed about the potential to reverse the procedure's effects. It mandates that abortion providers, operating in interstate or foreign commerce, comply with new informed consent requirements. Specifically, at least 24 hours before a chemical abortion, a physician or their agent must inform the woman, either by telephone or in person, that it may be possible to reverse the intended effects of a mifepristone-induced chemical abortion and that time is of the essence. Furthermore, providers must inform the woman that information and assistance for reversal are available on a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website. After the first drug (mifepristone) is dispensed, the physician must provide written medical discharge instructions stating that recent research indicates mifepristone alone is not always effective, and it may be possible to avoid or reverse its effects if the second pill has not been taken, urging immediate consultation with a healthcare professional. The bill also requires any facility performing chemical abortions to conspicuously post signs informing patients about the possibility of reversal if the second pill has not been taken. The HHS Secretary is tasked with developing and maintaining a website and printed materials, available in multiple languages, to provide comprehensive information and resources on chemical abortion reversal. These provisions include an exception for medical emergencies where an abortion is necessary to save the woman's life. To ensure compliance, the bill establishes civil remedies, allowing the woman, the father of the unborn child, or parents of a minor to bring a civil action against providers who knowingly or recklessly violate these requirements. Such actions can seek actual and punitive damages, with attorney's fees awarded to prevailing parties. The legislation explicitly states that it does not preempt any state laws that establish more extensive disclosure requirements or penalties regarding abortion.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
Second Chance at Life Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-5485| House
| Updated: 9/18/2025
This bill, titled the "Second Chance at Life Act of 2025," aims to ensure that women considering a chemical abortion are fully informed about the potential to reverse the procedure's effects. It mandates that abortion providers, operating in interstate or foreign commerce, comply with new informed consent requirements. Specifically, at least 24 hours before a chemical abortion, a physician or their agent must inform the woman, either by telephone or in person, that it may be possible to reverse the intended effects of a mifepristone-induced chemical abortion and that time is of the essence. Furthermore, providers must inform the woman that information and assistance for reversal are available on a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website. After the first drug (mifepristone) is dispensed, the physician must provide written medical discharge instructions stating that recent research indicates mifepristone alone is not always effective, and it may be possible to avoid or reverse its effects if the second pill has not been taken, urging immediate consultation with a healthcare professional. The bill also requires any facility performing chemical abortions to conspicuously post signs informing patients about the possibility of reversal if the second pill has not been taken. The HHS Secretary is tasked with developing and maintaining a website and printed materials, available in multiple languages, to provide comprehensive information and resources on chemical abortion reversal. These provisions include an exception for medical emergencies where an abortion is necessary to save the woman's life. To ensure compliance, the bill establishes civil remedies, allowing the woman, the father of the unborn child, or parents of a minor to bring a civil action against providers who knowingly or recklessly violate these requirements. Such actions can seek actual and punitive damages, with attorney's fees awarded to prevailing parties. The legislation explicitly states that it does not preempt any state laws that establish more extensive disclosure requirements or penalties regarding abortion.