New Bill Aims to Protect Surrogates from Coerced Abortions
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) plans to introduce a new bill on Tuesday that focuses on preventing forced abortions among women participating in surrogacy programs. Dubbed the Anti-Forced Abortion Act of 2026, this legislation would make it illegal for federal courts to enforce terms in surrogacy agreements that mandate abortion at the request of the intended parents. Additionally, it would ensure that surrogate mothers receive compensation and are not penalized for choosing not to terminate a pregnancy.
In a statement to Breitbart News, Ogles emphasized that “no woman should be forced to kill her child due to intimidation, economic pressure, or contract clauses.” He asserted that this bill would stop federal courts from enforcing coercive contract provisions and prevent intended parents from withholding promised payments when a surrogate decides to carry the pregnancy to term. He believes that contracts should never take precedence over a child’s right to life.
The surrogacy industry in the U.S. operates in a largely unregulated environment. Individuals, couples, regardless of sexual orientation, can enter agreements and provide substantial financial compensation to women for carrying their children, frequently through agencies. There are primarily two types of surrogacy: genetic surrogacy, where the surrogate uses her own eggs, and gestational surrogacy, involving embryos created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) using eggs from another woman.
As birth rates decline and reproductive technologies gain traction, the ethical implications for surrogacy are becoming increasingly complex. Reports have emerged of surrogate mothers being pressured to abort due to factors such as the baby’s gender or health issues, often facing severe backlash if they refuse. Such women frequently suffer from intense distress over custody battles concerning their children. Ogles’ office pointed out that quantifying these pressures is challenging, as many disputes are resolved privately.
Marilyn Musgrave, vice president at Pro-Life America, expressed their support for the bill, stating that women should never be coerced into abortions. She remarked on how recent news has highlighted this troubling reality and praised Ogles for bringing attention to the issue of forced abortions in surrogacy, citing their negative impact on women’s mental health.
Penny Nance, the CEO of Concerned Women for America, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that forced abortions ultimately harm innocent lives. She urged Congress to adopt Ogles’ legislation, insisting that children are not commodities, but rather gifts to be cherished within the framework of marriage.
Kelsey Reinhardt, president of CatholicVote, thanked Ogles for advocating for both women and unborn children. She cautioned that all forms of abortion reduce lives to mere instruments, highlighting the potential for coercion in domestic abuse or economic threat scenarios. The emphasis, she noted, should be on safeguarding vulnerable populations from exploitation.
So far, Ogles’ bill has garnered the support of several co-sponsors, including Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Keith Self (R-TX), and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO). A similar measure is expected to be advanced in 2024 but has yet to progress beyond the House Judiciary Committee. Various pro-life and conservative organizations back the bill, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and National Right to Life Committee.
