This legislation aims to enhance protections for victims of domestic violence by explicitly defining reproductive coercion as a form of domestic violence under federal law. Reproductive coercion is characterized as controlling another's reproductive autonomy through force, threat, intimidation, or by manipulating pregnancy outcomes, such as pressuring someone to become pregnant or terminate a pregnancy, or sabotaging contraception. The bill establishes a new federal private right of action , enabling individuals who have experienced domestic violence, including reproductive coercion, to bring civil lawsuits against perpetrators. This action can be pursued in federal courts if the conduct involves interstate or foreign commerce, such as travel, communications, or the use of interstate instrumentalities. Victims who successfully bring a civil action may be awarded actual damages , punitive damages , and other appropriate relief, including injunctive relief. The legislation clarifies that it does not modify state court authority over custody or property, nor does it supersede state definitions of domestic violence or available state remedies, while still allowing federal courts to remand cases to state courts where appropriate.
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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
Reproductive Coercion Prevention and Protection Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-6883| House
| Updated: 12/18/2025
This legislation aims to enhance protections for victims of domestic violence by explicitly defining reproductive coercion as a form of domestic violence under federal law. Reproductive coercion is characterized as controlling another's reproductive autonomy through force, threat, intimidation, or by manipulating pregnancy outcomes, such as pressuring someone to become pregnant or terminate a pregnancy, or sabotaging contraception. The bill establishes a new federal private right of action , enabling individuals who have experienced domestic violence, including reproductive coercion, to bring civil lawsuits against perpetrators. This action can be pursued in federal courts if the conduct involves interstate or foreign commerce, such as travel, communications, or the use of interstate instrumentalities. Victims who successfully bring a civil action may be awarded actual damages , punitive damages , and other appropriate relief, including injunctive relief. The legislation clarifies that it does not modify state court authority over custody or property, nor does it supersede state definitions of domestic violence or available state remedies, while still allowing federal courts to remand cases to state courts where appropriate.