Washington, D.C. -Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) introduced the Ban Offshore Abortion Tourism (BOAT) Act to prohibit abortions in maritime jurisdiction. The BOAT Act would hold accountable providers who knowingly endanger the life of an unborn child with fines and jail time. Additionally, women who sought their services could seek relief from the company in the appropriate federal district court.

"Abortion boats should never float in federal waters. These offshore “clinics” exploit a legal loophole by performing abortions in maritime jurisdiction to evade state laws and endanger both women and the unborn," said Rep. Weber. "This practice is morally and ethically reprehensible. As the Left pushes radical and unsafe workarounds, I will continue to fight for women's safety and protect the sanctity of life. It's our responsibility to stand against such practices and provide proper legal protection for both the vulnerable women and the unborn."

Background: 

In July 2022, a New York man named Michael Kimbro created an abortion clinic approximately 40 minutes off the shore of Galveston, Texas, called "Abort Offshore." By transporting women offshore to federal waters controlled by maritime jurisdiction, they can bypass Texas state laws that ban abortions six weeks after conception. Kimbro, who himself is not a doctor, brings women onto a boat in the Gulf of Mexico, far away from lifesaving assistance in case of a complication. The for-profit abortion clinic demands cash payments between $1,500-$2,000. It is estimated the company can perform 24 abortions a day.

Offshore abortions are intended to weaken the effectiveness of state abortion laws and provide a way to circumvent protections for the lives of the unborn. Additionally, the women who seek the service are brought away from lifesaving services and put in jeopardy for unregulated, life-endangering procedures.