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HB 425

ABORTION: Provides relative to coerced abortion (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Carlson

Louisiana criminalizes coercing someone into abortion, establishing penalties for forcing or pressuring individuals to terminate pregnancies without consent.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 275.
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Bill Summary · HB 425

Legislative bill overview

HB 425 creates criminal penalties in Louisiana for coercing someone to obtain an abortion against their will. The bill defines coerced abortion as using force, threats, or other means to compel a person to terminate a pregnancy without their consent. It became law on August 1, 2025.

Why is this important

This addresses a recognized harm where individuals—typically women in vulnerable situations—are pressured or forced into abortion decisions. The law creates legal recourse for victims and establishes criminal consequences for perpetrators. It also signals state policy prioritizing reproductive autonomy by protecting against unwanted abortion, regardless of one's position on abortion access generally.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: The specific definition of "coercion" and what constitutes sufficient pressure or threat may be subject to interpretation and litigation, potentially affecting how broadly or narrowly the law applies
  • Enforcement challenges: Proving coercion in private situations can be difficult; cases may hinge on credibility disputes between parties with little evidence
  • Interaction with abortion restrictions: Some may question the apparent inconsistency of protecting abortion choice in coercion cases while the state maintains other abortion limitations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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