Reproductive Coercion Defined as Domestic Violence; Victims Gain Federal Right to Sue.
This act expands the federal definition of domestic violence to explicitly include reproductive coercion, such as sabotaging contraception or forcing pregnancy/abortion decisions. Crucially, it grants victims the right to file civil lawsuits in federal court against perpetrators to seek financial damages and other relief. This provides citizens affected by these issues with a new legal avenue for seeking justice and compensation.
Key points
Reproductive coercion (e.g., sabotaging birth control, forcing pregnancy or termination decisions) is officially defined as a form of domestic violence under federal law.
Victims of domestic violence and reproductive coercion gain the right to sue perpetrators in federal courts for damages (actual and punitive) and injunctive relief.
The definition of domestic violence is broadened to include economic, psychological, and technological abuse, offering wider legal protection.
Federal courts can intervene in cases where the violence involved interstate commerce (e.g., travel, communication, or payments).
Status:
Introduced
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