We have two important pro-life updates to share with you.
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia Introduces A5513, the Apple Act.
We are pleased to share that Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R 24) has introduced A5513, the Abortion Pill Provider Liability Education, or “APPLE” Act.
This important legislation focuses on informed consent, accountability, and protections for women who are prescribed abortion-inducing drugs.
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Except in the case of a medical emergency, A5513 would require abortion drug providers to give women written information about potential complications and their legal rights before providing a chemical abortion or prescribing abortion inducing drugs.
The bill identifies potential complications including hemorrhage, infection, sepsis, incomplete abortion requiring additional treatment or surgery, continuation of the pregnancy, excessive pain, and other physical or psychological complications.
A5513 would also:
Require women to receive written information about their right to seek damages for injuries resulting from abortion inducing drugs.
Require women to be informed about the possibility of Abortion Pill Reversal after taking mifepristone and provide information about where they can seek help.
Require reporting of complications from chemical abortions so that the State can collect and publicly report data on these complications, while prohibiting reports from containing information specifically identifying individual patients.
Give women and certain family members the ability to bring civil actions when a chemical abortion is performed or prescribed in violation of the bill. Available damages can include compensation for physical and psychological injuries, statutory damages equal to three times actual damages, and reasonable costs and attorney’s fees.
Establish substantial civil penalties for violations. Certain violations could result in civil penalties of at least $100,000 for each day of violation, with those funds directed to pregnancy resource centers that do not provide, perform, or refer for abortions. The court could also impose an additional penalty of up to $25,000 for each knowing failure to provide the required informed consent.
Protect pregnant women from criminal liability or civil penalties for obtaining or using abortion inducing drugs, regardless of how or where the drugs were obtained.
Establish a third-degree crime when someone knowingly gives an abortion inducing drug to a pregnant woman without her knowledge or consent for the purpose of causing an abortion.
At a time when abortion drugs can be prescribed through telehealth and obtained through the mail, A5513 would establish additional requirements intended to ensure that women receive information about potential complications and their legal rights and that abortion drug providers can be held accountable when the requirements of the law are violated.
We thank Assemblywoman Fantasia for introducing A5513 and bringing these issues before the New Jersey Legislature.
Congressman Chris Smith Marks 50 Years of the Hyde Amendment
We also want to call your attention to powerful remarks delivered by New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith as members of Congress commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment.
Congressman Smith reflected on the legacy of the late Congressman Henry Hyde and the importance of perseverance in defending human life.
His remarks are well worth taking the time to read.
Read: Members of Congress Celebrate Hyde Amendment’s 50th Anniversary “The Hyde Amendment reaffirms the fundamental truth that every life is precious and irreplaceable.” Smith hosts Special Order to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment | U.S. Representative
We will be closely monitoring A5513 and will keep you informed as it moves through the legislative process.
Please don’t forget to visit our website for the latest pro-life news and resources.
Thank you for standing with us as we work to protect and support women and their unborn children.
LifeNews.com Note: Marie Tasy is the executive director of New Jersey Right to Life.
