This evening, the Justice for Victims of Abortion Drug Dealers Act (HB 575) and the Stop Coerced Abortion Act (HB 425) passed through the Louisiana Senate.

HB 575 by Reps. Lauren Ventrella and Julie Emerson empowers Louisiana citizens harmed by abortion to file lawsuits against abortion drug dealers who unlawfully sell abortion services, including predators and abusers.

HB 425 by Rep. Josh Carlson broadens the current definition of coercion in RS: 87:6 to encompass tactics often employed by abusers, like control or intimidation, that force a woman to undergo an abortion against her will.

Executive Director for Louisiana Right to Life, Benjamin Clapper, said the following after the Senate passage:

We applaud the Louisiana Senate for passing these two pro-life bills that continue Louisiana’s legacy of defending life and protecting women from the abortion industry. The reckless sale of abortion pills by out-of-state businesses have led to increased instances of women being coerced to have abortions. HB 575 and HB 425 strengthen laws to prevent coerced abortion and allow women hurt by abortion to seek justice.

Contrary to Senator Duplessis’ statements on the Senate floor, the word “promoting” was removed from HB 575 in a Senate committee amendment. Therefore, a lawsuit brought under HB 575 cannot be for brought against someone “promoting” the availability of an abortion.

We are grateful for the dedication of Senator Rick Edmonds who boldly defended HB 575 from pro-abortion attacks and Senator Brach Myers for promoting HB 425.

Louisiana Right to Life is committed to a future where women and girls are safe from the predatory tactics of the abortion industry and can pursue justice for themselves and their families.