- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill would remove federal criminal penalties for obstructing access to abortion services, effectively decriminalizing certain actions taken to prevent abortions or abortion access.
Law Today
Federal law currently contains criminal penalties under title 18, United States Code, for obstructing access to abortion services. The bill does not detail the specific statute or penalties involved.
If Passed
This bill would remove federal criminal penalties for people who obstruct or prevent others from accessing abortion services. This would decriminalize blocking clinic entrances, counseling women against abortion, or other interference with abortion access at the federal level.
AI-generated from the bill text — verify against the official text.
Should I support this?
- Strongly Oppose
- Likely Oppose
- Neutral
- This billLikely Support
- Strongly Support
Likely Support
Christian parents who hold pro-life convictions and religious-liberty values would generally view this as protective of their right to act on those beliefs without federal criminal liability. However, Christian parents who support abortion access or prioritize women's unhindered access to medical care would see it as harmful. On its face, the bill removes restrictions on pro-life speech and action.
AI assessment using F3’s editorial criteria — faith, family, and freedom. This is F3’s policy judgment; verify the provisions in the official bill text.
Likely supporters & opponents
Likely support
- pro-life advocacy organizations — Removing criminal penalties protects the rights of pro-life advocates to counsel against abortion and express their convictions without federal prosecution.
- religious liberty organizations — The law protects citizens' ability to act on sincere religious beliefs about abortion without fear of federal criminal charges.
Likely opposition
- abortion-access advocacy organizations — Decriminalizing obstruction allows harassment and intimidation of women seeking medical care and clinic workers, reducing practical access to legal services.
- civil-liberties groups focused on bodily autonomy — Removing penalties for blocking clinic access violates women's right to obtain legal medical procedures without interference or coercion.
AI-inferred typical positions based on the bill’s substance — general stakeholder categories, not confirmed endorsements.
Official summary
To amend title 18, United States Code, to remove criminal penalties for obstructing access to abortion services, and for other purposes.
Sponsors
- Andrew Ogles (R)
- Christopher Smith (R)
- Sheri Biggs (R)
- Marlin Stutzman (R)
- Michael Cloud (R)
Status timeline
- 2026-06-24Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.H
- 2026-06-24Introduced in HouseH
H = House · S = Senate · A = Assembly