Since the fall of Roe v. Wade, bills aiming to criminalize abortion providers have proliferated. But it's relatively rare to see lawmakers propose criminalizing women who obtain abortions—well, it was rare, at least. In January, lawmakers in at least four states introduced proposals to make intentionally harming a fertilized egg or fetus punishable under homicide statutes, with no exceptions for women who get abortions unless they were forced or coerced into ending their pregnancies.
These measures would leave pregnant women who seek abortions subject to criminal charges such as murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, and attempted manslaughter and open to wrongful death lawsuits brought by partners or family members.
They could also seriously imperil care for women experiencing pregnancy complications and have major implications for in vitro fertilization practices.
