Bill > HB191

This bill creates a new legal framework in New Hampshire that allows civil lawsuits related to abortions performed on unemancipated minors without parental consent. Specifically, the bill permits civil wrongful death actions to be brought by the biological mother or father (with certain exceptions for cases involving sexual assault or incest) against individuals who help a minor obtain an abortion without parental permission. In such civil cases, plaintiffs may seek economic damages, noneconomic damages, punitive damages, and recover attorney's fees and court costs. The bill includes some important exceptions, such as allowing medical diagnoses and consultations about pregnancy care, and not preventing medical professionals from calling an ambulance in emergency situations. While the bill references criminal penalties, the detailed text of those criminal provisions is not included in this document. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its passage, and state agencies anticipate potential fiscal impacts on judicial and correctional systems, though the exact costs are currently indeterminable. The bill appears designed to create legal obstacles and potential financial consequences for those who assist minors in obtaining abortions without parental consent.

Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0192&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB191