Florida Senate Bill S1374

Florida 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/26
• Refer: 1/16/26
• Failed: 3/13/26

Caption

Civil Remedies Pertaining to Abortions

Impact

The bill aims to empower family members, which include spouses and parents, by allowing them to sue individuals or entities that violate pertinent abortion-related provisions. This legislative move signifies a strict stance on the performance of abortions and its implications for those involved. The enforcement of such actions would expand legal liabilities related to abortion practices and may lead to increased legal scrutiny in this area. Critics fear this could lead to a chilling effect on medical professionals who perform abortions or provide related services.

Summary

Senate Bill 1374, proposed by Senator Martin, introduces significant changes to Florida's civil law regarding abortions. The bill specifically creates a new section in the Florida Statutes that outlines the definitions of key terms such as 'clawback provision' and 'family member'. It grants family members of women undergoing abortions the right to initiate civil actions for violations related to abortions, regardless of where the violation occurred. This creates a new avenue for individuals seeking legal action against those who perform or assist in abortions in a manner that is deemed in violation of this law.

Contention

One of the most contentious aspects of SB 1374 involves the 'clawback provision', which prohibits Florida courts from recognizing or enforcing judgments or orders from other jurisdictions under similar provisions. This could foster legal conflicts concerning abortion rights and regulations across state lines and could attract lawsuits against those who initiate allegations in states with more permissive abortion laws. Some lawmakers argue this could undermine interstate legal cooperation and promote an environment of hostility toward abortion rights, while supporters see it as a necessary measure for protecting local values and jurisdictions.

Privacy_protection

The bill also contains provisions for protecting the privacy of individuals involved in abortion cases, indicating that courts may style legal documents in a manner that conceals the identity of women affected by such procedures. This reflects an awareness of sensitive issues surrounding abortion and aims to provide some safeguards for personal information amidst legal proceedings.