HR729-119

What This Bill Does

The Teleabortion Prevention Act creates a new federal criminal prohibition on chemical abortions provided in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce unless the healthcare provider physically examines the patient, is physically present at the location of the chemical abortion, and schedules a follow-up visit within 14 days after the drug is administered or used. Violating providers face a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. The offense does not apply when the chemical abortion is necessary to save the mother's life from a physical disorder, illness, injury, or life-endangering condition caused by pregnancy. Patients cannot be prosecuted under the new section or for conspiracy. The bill defines abortion drug, chemical abortion, attempts to provide, healthcare provider, provide, unborn child, preserves ectopic pregnancy treatment, and includes severability.

Who Benefits and How

Patients benefit from an explicit no-prosecution rule, even though access to remote medication abortion would be restricted. Anti-abortion advocates benefit because the bill requires in-person examination, provider presence, and fast follow-up before abortion drugs can be legally provided. Federal prosecutors benefit from a defined offense, penalty, and interstate-commerce hook. Patients with verified ectopic pregnancies benefit because the bill states it does not affect that treatment.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Healthcare providers who prescribe or dispense abortion drugs must physically examine the patient, be physically present at the chemical abortion location, schedule a follow-up visit within 14 days, and avoid telehealth or mail-only models that do not meet those requirements. Telehealth abortion providers face criminal fines and imprisonment risk. Reproductive-health clinics must change workflows, documentation, and follow-up scheduling. Patients seeking medication abortion may have fewer remote options and may need in-person visits to obtain drugs legally.

Key Provisions

• Creates a federal criminal offense for knowingly providing or attempting to provide a chemical abortion without an in-person exam, provider presence, and follow-up visit scheduling.
• Provides penalties of up to a $1,000 fine, two years imprisonment, or both for violating healthcare providers.
• Bars prosecution of the patient under the new section or for conspiracy to violate it.
• Provides exceptions for life-saving care and verified ectopic pregnancy treatment and adds severability.