Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (11 Mar 1997): Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-90.
What this bill does
This bill, titled the "Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997," would amend federal criminal law to prohibit a specific type of abortion procedure. It defines this procedure as one where a living fetus is partially delivered vaginally before being killed and the delivery is completed. The prohibition would apply to abortions performed in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, with an exception only if the procedure is deemed necessary to save the mother's life and no other medical option is available.
The bill would establish criminal penalties for performing such an abortion, including fines and imprisonment for up to two years. It also authorizes civil actions allowing the father, or maternal grandparents if the mother is under 18, to seek damages. The bill specifies that a woman upon whom this procedure is performed would not be prosecuted for conspiracy or as a principal or accessory related to its violation.
Introduced in the Senate in January 1997, the bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The committee held hearings on the bill in March 1997, and the printed transcripts of those hearings are available. The bill's subsequent legislative progress is not detailed in the provided information.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit performing a partial birth abortion in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, unless it is necessary to save the life of the mother and no other medical procedure would suffice. Defines "partial-birth abortion" as an abortion in which the person performing the procedure partially vaginally delivers a living fetus before killing the infant and completing the delivery. Prescribes penalties. Authorizes the father and, if the mother is under 18 years of age, the maternal grandparents of the fetus to obtain specified relief in a civil action, even if the mother consented to the abortion, unless the pregnancy resulted from the plaintiff's criminal conduct or the plaintiff consented to the abortion. Prohibits the prosecution of a woman upon whom a partial-birth abortion is performed for conspiracy to violate this Act or under provisions regarding punishment as a principal or an accessory or for concealment of a felony.
Timeline
11 Mar 1997
Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-90.
Common questions
- What does S. 6 do?
- This bill, titled the "Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 1997," would amend federal criminal law to prohibit a specific type of abortion procedure. It defines this procedure as one where a living fetus is partially delivered vaginally before being killed and the delivery is completed. The prohibition would apply to abortions performed in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, with an exception only if the procedure is deemed necessary to save the mother's life and no other medical option is available. The bill would establish criminal penalties for performing such an abortion, including fines and imprisonment for up to two years. It also authorizes civil actions allowing the father, or maternal grandparents if the mother is under 18, to seek damages. The bill specifies that a woman upon whom this procedure is performed would not be prosecuted for conspiracy or as a principal or accessory related to its violation. Introduced in the Senate in January 1997, the bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The committee held hearings on the bill in March 1997, and the printed transcripts of those hearings are available. The bill's subsequent legislative progress is not detailed in the provided information.
- Has S. 6 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 6. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 6?
- S. 6 was sponsored by Sen. Santorum, Rick [R-PA] (R-PA), with 42 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 6?
- Committee on Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-90. (11 Mar 1997).
Related bills in Crime and Law Enforcement
Enhancing Detection of Human Trafficking Act
National Coordination Center and Commercial Cyber Capabilities Codification Act
Anthony Amoros Law Right to Know Act
Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Nonviolence Week" to raise awareness of youth violence in the United States.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.