BOAT Act

HR 1639, the BOAT Act, makes it a federal crime to perform an abortion resulting in fetal death on U.S. ships or in U.S. waters (admiralty jurisdiction), punishable by up to 5 years in prison. The law includes exceptions for abortions necessary to save a pregnant woman's life (including pregnancy-related conditions), abortions following adult rape (requiring 48-hour counseling or medical treatment), or abortions following rape/incest involving minors (requiring prior reporting to authorities). It also creates civil lawsuits allowing women who had abortions in violation of the law to seek triple the abortion cost, medical damages, and attorney fees. The bill directly affects healthcare providers performing abortions on U.S. vessels or in U.S. waters and the women receiving such care.