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HB 575

ABORTION: Provides relative to liability for the unlawful termination of a pregnancy

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Beryl Amedée and 19 co-sponsors

Louisiana law establishes civil liability for unlawful pregnancy termination, allowing private lawsuits against abortion providers and facilitators, effective August 1, 2025.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 383.
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Bill Summary · HB 575

Legislative bill overview

HB 575 establishes civil liability frameworks for unlawful termination of pregnancy in Louisiana. The bill creates legal mechanisms allowing individuals to pursue damages against those who perform or facilitate abortions outside of Louisiana's existing abortion restrictions. It became law on August 1, 2025, following gubernatorial signature.

Why is this important

This legislation directly impacts abortion access and enforcement in Louisiana by creating a private right of action—allowing citizens to sue providers and potentially facilitators of abortion services. It reinforces Louisiana's existing abortion restrictions through civil rather than solely criminal penalties, affecting healthcare providers, patients, and reproductive rights in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Standing and scope of liability: Unclear who can sue (family members, acquaintances, or any citizen) and whether this extends to those who assist patients in traveling out-of-state for abortion services
  • Healthcare provider chilling effect: Uncertainty about liability exposure may cause physicians to avoid treating pregnancy complications or miscarriages due to fear of lawsuits, potentially impacting emergency medical care
  • Constitutional questions: Existing legal challenges to similar state laws suggest this could face federal court scrutiny regarding due process and privacy rights protections

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

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