H.R. 895: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Partial-Birth Abortion Act

This bill is titled the Ensuring Justice for Victims of Partial-Birth Abortion Act. It seeks to amend Title 18 of the United States Code concerning the regulation of partial-birth abortion. Below are the key components of the bill:

1. Investigation Requirement

The bill mandates that the Attorney General conduct an investigation into the possible violation of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. This investigation specifically pertains to the remains of five babies found by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department on March 30, 2022. The Attorney General is required to produce a report detailing the investigation findings and any enforcement actions taken within six months of the bill's enactment.

2. Amendment of Enforcement Responsibilities

The bill amends section 1531 of Title 18 to require the Attorney General to investigate and take appropriate enforcement actions for any alleged violations of the partial-birth abortion ban.

3. Mandatory Reporting

Health care practitioners, as well as employees of hospitals, physician offices, or abortion clinics, who are aware of violations of the partial-birth abortion prohibition, are required to report such violations immediately to relevant state or federal law enforcement agencies.

4. Annual Reporting Obligations

Each year by October 1, the Attorney General must submit a report to both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees and publish the report on the Department of Justice website. This report should include:

• The steps taken by the Department of Justice to inform abortion providers of their responsibilities regarding compliance with the partial-birth abortion ban.
• The number of alleged violations over the past decade, a description of the investigations undertaken by the Department, and any enforcement actions taken.

5. Review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Within 18 months of the bill's enactment, the Comptroller General of the United States is required to review all enforcement actions related to alleged violations of the partial-birth abortion ban that occurred between 2004 and 2024. The GAO will compile a report on its findings and provide any recommendations for strengthening enforcement.

6. Severability Clause

The bill includes a severability clause, meaning if any part of the bill is found to be unconstitutional, the rest of the bill will remain in effect regardless.

Relevant Companies

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