HB1678 is an extreme and punitive bill that seeks to further criminalize medication abortion by escalating penalties for healthcare providers, pharmacists, and others who provide abortion-inducing drugs. This legislation increases the criminal penalty for violations from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class D felony, imposes a $50,000 fine per violation, and expands civil liabilities — including wrongful death lawsuits — against those who assist in providing medication abortion.
This bill is yet another attempt to intimidate healthcare providers and restrict Arkansans’ access to essential reproductive care. Medication abortion is a safe, FDA-approved method of terminating a pregnancy, but HB1678 weaponizes the law to deter providers from offering this care — leaving patients with fewer options and greater risks.
The ACLU of Arkansas strongly opposes HB1678 because it unjustly punishes medical professionals, undermines patient care, and further erodes reproductive freedom in Arkansas. Instead of criminalizing healthcare, lawmakers should focus on ensuring that Arkansans have access to the medical care they need, free from political interference.
We urge lawmakers to reject this dangerous expansion of abortion restrictions.
