“To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit discrimination by abortion against an unborn child on the basis of Turner syndrome.”
No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section adds a new section to 18 U.S.C. Chapter 13 prohibiting (1) performing an abortion with knowledge that it is sought in whole or in part due to a test result, prenatal diagnosis, or other reason to believe the unborn child has Turner syndrome (i.e., a chromosomal disorder associated with a missing or partially missing X chromosome); (2) coercing such an abortion through force or threats; (3) soliciting or accepting funds for such an abortion; or (4) knowingly transporting a pregnant woman across state lines or into the U.S. for such an abortion. It establishes criminal penalties for violations or attempts of a fine, imprisonment up to five years, or both, and up to one year imprisonment for failing to report known or suspected violations; authorizes civil actions by qualified plaintiffs (i.e., the woman, a maternal grandparent if she is an unemancipated minor, the father absent criminal conduct or consent, or the Attorney General) for damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees; exempts the woman from prosecution or civil liability; requires expedited court consideration; and deems violations discrimination for purposes of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) (prohibiting disability discrimination in federally funded programs or activities). (Thus, entities performing such abortions risk enforcement actions under Section 504, including potential loss of federal funding.)
This section provides a severability clause, stating that the invalidity of any portion of the Act or its amendments—or their application to any person or circumstance—does not affect the remaining provisions that can be given effect on their own.