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MD HB885
MD HB885Criminal Law - Causing Ingestion of an Abortion-Inducing Drug - Prohibition (Women's Freedom From Coercion Act)
summary
Introduced
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
In Committee
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Prohibiting a person from knowingly and willfully causing another to ingest an abortion-inducing drug when the person knows or believes that the other person is pregnant and without consent, through fraud or coercion, or by force or threat of force.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Women's Freedom From Coercion Act," creates a new felony offense in Maryland's criminal law that prohibits any person from knowingly and willfully causing another individual to ingest an abortion-inducing drug, which is defined as any substance intended to induce an abortion when taken internally. This prohibition applies specifically when the person causing the ingestion knows or believes the other individual is pregnant and does so without their consent, through deceit or pressure (coercion), or by using physical force or threatening to use force. Violators of this law face a felony conviction and can be imprisoned for up to 10 years, with the law set to take effect on October 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (12)
LaToya Nkongolo (R)*,
Steve Arentz (R),
Lauren Arikan (R),
Terry Baker (R),
Brian Chisholm (R),
Barrie Ciliberti (R),
April Fleming Miller (R),
Kevin Hornberger (R),
Todd Morgan (R),
Teresa Reilly (R),
Chris Tomlinson (R),
William Valentine (R),
Last Action
House Judiciary Hearing (13:00:00 2/17/2026 ) (on 02/17/2026)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0885?ys=2026RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/bills/hb/hb0885f.pdf |
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