WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1186

Criminal Law - Causing Ingestion of an Abortion-Inducing Drug - Prohibition (Women's Freedom From Coercion Act)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Hornberger and 6 co-sponsors

HB 1186 criminalizes intentionally coercing or deceiving someone into ingesting abortion-inducing drugs without consent in Maryland.

Hearing 3/06 at 1:00 p.m.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1186

Legislative bill overview

HB 1186 would make it a crime in Maryland to coerce or trick someone into ingesting abortion-inducing drugs without their knowledge or consent. The bill establishes criminal penalties for individuals who intentionally cause another person to ingest such substances, framing this as reproductive coercion.

Why is this important

This addresses a real harm—reproductive coercion—where individuals are deceived about medication they're consuming. The bill could provide legal recourse for victims of such deception, though it enters the politically sensitive intersection of criminal law, reproductive rights, and bodily autonomy.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional scope: The bill's language around what constitutes "abortion-inducing drugs" and whether it extends beyond FDA-approved medication to herbal or unproven substances could create enforcement ambiguity
  • Existing law coverage: Maryland may already have statutes addressing poisoning, assault, or administering substances without consent; this bill's necessity and potential redundancy with existing criminal codes needs examination
  • Enforcement complications: Prosecuting such cases requires proving the defendant's knowledge of the drug's effects and intent to cause abortion specifically, which presents evidentiary challenges

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

Sign in to ask a question.