Preventing Forced Abortions Act of 2026
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9868, the "Preventing Forced Abortions Act of 2026," would restrict how federal courts can handle surrogacy contracts. The bill states that federal courts may not enforce any contract provision requiring a surrogate mother to have an abortion at the request of intended parents or others involved in the agreement. It also requires courts to enforce a surrogate's right to her agreed-upon compensation even if she refuses to have an abortion demanded by another party, blocking related penalties such as liquidated damages or reduced payment tied to that refusal. The bill grants federal district courts original jurisdiction over surrogacy contract disputes involving interstate or foreign commerce, and it defines key terms such as "abortion," "surrogate mother," "intended parent," and "surrogacy contract."
The bill would primarily affect surrogate mothers, intended parents, and others who are parties to surrogacy agreements, as well as federal courts handling related contract disputes. Surrogate mothers would gain specific legal protections against contract terms that could pressure or financially penalize them for refusing to terminate a pregnancy at another party's request.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 22, 2026, by Rep. Andrew Ogles along with several cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. As with most introduced bills, it would need to be considered and approved by the committee, pass the full House, pass the Senate, and be signed by the President before becoming law. No further action has occurred beyond its introduction.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 22, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9868 do?
- H.R. 9868, the "Preventing Forced Abortions Act of 2026," would restrict how federal courts can handle surrogacy contracts. The bill states that federal courts may not enforce any contract provision requiring a surrogate mother to have an abortion at the request of intended parents or others involved in the agreement. It also requires courts to enforce a surrogate's right to her agreed-upon compensation even if she refuses to have an abortion demanded by another party, blocking related penalties such as liquidated damages or reduced payment tied to that refusal. The bill grants federal district courts original jurisdiction over surrogacy contract disputes involving interstate or foreign commerce, and it defines key terms such as "abortion," "surrogate mother," "intended parent," and "surrogacy contract." The bill would primarily affect surrogate mothers, intended parents, and others who are parties to surrogacy agreements, as well as federal courts handling related contract disputes. Surrogate mothers would gain specific legal protections against contract terms that could pressure or financially penalize them for refusing to terminate a pregnancy at another party's request. The bill was introduced in the House on July 22, 2026, by Rep. Andrew Ogles along with several cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. As with most introduced bills, it would need to be considered and approved by the committee, pass the full House, pass the Senate, and be signed by the President before becoming law. No further action has occurred beyond its introduction.
- Has H.R. 9868 become law?
- Not yet. As of 22 Jul 2026, H.R. 9868 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9868?
- H.R. 9868 was sponsored by Rep. Andrew Ogles [R-TN5] (Republican-TN), with 13 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9868?
- Introduced (22 Jul 2026).
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