This bill proposes to amend federal law to prohibit abortions performed or sought, in whole or in part, due to a diagnosis or suspicion of Turner syndrome in an unborn child. It broadly defines "abortion" to include acts intended to kill an unborn child or terminate a pregnancy, with specific exceptions for procedures aimed at producing a live birth, saving the mother's life, or removing a dead unborn child. The legislation also provides a clear definition of "Turner syndrome" as a chromosomal disorder characterized by a missing or partially missing X chromosome. The measure makes it unlawful to perform such an abortion, to coerce a woman into one, to solicit funds for its performance, or to knowingly transport a woman across state lines for this purpose. Individuals who violate these prohibitions would face criminal penalties , including fines and imprisonment for up to five years. A crucial provision ensures that a woman upon whom an abortion is performed cannot be prosecuted or held civilly liable for any violation of this section. Additionally, the bill establishes civil remedies , allowing the woman, the father (with certain exceptions), or maternal grandparents (if the woman is an unemancipated minor) to bring civil actions for damages and injunctive relief against violators. It mandates that medical and mental health professionals report known or suspected violations, imposing criminal penalties for failure to comply. Furthermore, the legislation deems any violation as discrimination under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and requires expedited court consideration while protecting the anonymity of the woman involved in proceedings.
This bill proposes to amend federal law to prohibit abortions performed or sought, in whole or in part, due to a diagnosis or suspicion of Turner syndrome in an unborn child. It broadly defines "abortion" to include acts intended to kill an unborn child or terminate a pregnancy, with specific exceptions for procedures aimed at producing a live birth, saving the mother's life, or removing a dead unborn child. The legislation also provides a clear definition of "Turner syndrome" as a chromosomal disorder characterized by a missing or partially missing X chromosome. The measure makes it unlawful to perform such an abortion, to coerce a woman into one, to solicit funds for its performance, or to knowingly transport a woman across state lines for this purpose. Individuals who violate these prohibitions would face criminal penalties , including fines and imprisonment for up to five years. A crucial provision ensures that a woman upon whom an abortion is performed cannot be prosecuted or held civilly liable for any violation of this section. Additionally, the bill establishes civil remedies , allowing the woman, the father (with certain exceptions), or maternal grandparents (if the woman is an unemancipated minor) to bring civil actions for damages and injunctive relief against violators. It mandates that medical and mental health professionals report known or suspected violations, imposing criminal penalties for failure to comply. Furthermore, the legislation deems any violation as discrimination under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and requires expedited court consideration while protecting the anonymity of the woman involved in proceedings.