WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) reintroduced the Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act to prohibit dismemberment abortions and allow a woman who undergoes a dismemberment abortion to file a civil action against the person who knowingly performs the procedure. Lesko also introduced this legislation in the 116^th Congress.

“I am proud to reintroduce this important legislation to end the despicable practice of dismemberment abortion,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “This bill saves the lives of unborn babies and protects them from the pain of this horrific procedure. In the wake of the 48^th anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade decision, I remain committed to defending the sanctity of life in Congress and fighting for the right to life for defenseless unborn babies.”

This bill prohibits a physician from knowingly performing a dismemberment abortion. This method is used during the second and third trimesters when a baby can feel the pain of an abortion. The bill also allows a woman or a parent of a minor who undergoes a dismemberment abortion to file a civil action for damages against an individual who performs this procedure. Under this legislation, any physician who performs a dismemberment abortion is subject to a criminal fine, up to two years in prison, or both, unless the procedure was necessary to save the mother's life. This legislation also bars a woman who undergoes a dismemberment abortion from criminal prosecution.

Lesko was joined by Representatives Rick Allen (R-GA-12), Brian Babin (R-TX-36), Jim Banks (R-IN-03), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Ted Budd (R-NC-13), Steve Chabot (R-OH-01), Jeff Duncan (R-SC-03), Matt Gaetz (R-FL-01), Glenn Grothman (R-WI-06), Yvette Herrell (R-NM-02), Jody Hice (R-GA-10), Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13), Mike Johnson (R-LA-04), John Joyce (R-PA-13), Doug Lamborn (R-CO-05), Bob Latta (R-OH-05), Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Alex Mooney (R-WV-02), Ralph Norman (R-SC-05), Gary Palmer (R-AL-06), Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Chris Stewart (R-UT-02), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02), and Ron Wright (R-TX-06) in introducing this legislation.