Legis Daily

BOAT Act

USA119th CongressHR-1639| House 
| Updated: 2/26/2025
Randy K. Sr. Weber

Randy K. Sr. Weber

Republican Representative

Texas

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Feb 26, 2025
Introduced in House
Feb 26, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • February 26, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • February 26, 2025
    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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Feb 26, 2025
Introduced in House
Feb 26, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • February 26, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • February 26, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Randy K. Sr. Weber

Randy K. Sr. Weber

Republican Representative

Texas

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
AbortionCivil actions and liabilityLegal fees and court costsNavigation, waterways, harbors