New Federal Law Targets Reproductive Coercion: Victims Can Now Sue Abusers for Damages

The Reproductive Coercion Prevention and Protection Act of 2025 is a major move to recognize and fight a specific, often hidden form of domestic violence. Simply put, this bill defines “reproductive coercion” federally and creates a new civil lawsuit option for victims seeking justice and financial recovery from their abusers.

What Exactly Is Reproductive Coercion?

This bill defines reproductive coercion as when someone attempts to control another person’s reproductive autonomy. This isn't just about physical violence; the definition is broad and covers several manipulative behaviors. Think of it as a partner deliberately sabotaging birth control—like destroying a mail-order pill pack or puncturing condoms—or using force or threats to pressure someone into continuing or terminating a pregnancy. The bill specifies that this includes sexual assault, physical force, or even just the use of coercive or manipulative tactics to control a pregnancy outcome or access to reproductive health information. The fact that the bill explicitly names these behaviors is a big deal, giving legal weight to actions that often go unpunished under general domestic violence statutes.

The New Federal Lawsuit: A Path to Accountability

Currently, most domestic violence cases are handled at the state level. This bill creates a new federal civil cause of action, allowing victims to sue a “covered defendant” (a current or former intimate partner, cohabitant, or family member) for domestic violence that includes reproductive coercion. Why federal court? Because the bill requires an “interstate or foreign commerce connection.” This might sound like legal jargon, but it’s the key that unlocks federal jurisdiction. For example, if the abuser traveled across state lines to commit the act, used a phone or email (a channel of interstate commerce) to send threats, or used an item that traveled in interstate commerce (which is basically everything these days), the federal court can take the case. If successful, a victim can be awarded actual damages (covering costs like medical bills or lost wages) and, importantly, punitive damages, which are designed to punish the abuser.

Real-World Impact on Victims and the Courts

For a victim, this new avenue means they aren't solely reliant on state criminal or family courts, which often focus on protection orders or custody. This federal suit offers financial recourse, which can be crucial for someone trying to rebuild their life after abuse. For instance, if a victim had to travel out of state for necessary medical care because of the coercion—a scenario the bill specifically mentions—they could now potentially sue the abuser for those travel and medical costs, plus punitive damages.

However, the bill is careful not to step on state courts’ toes. It includes a rule of construction explicitly stating that this federal civil action does not modify or limit a state court's ability to handle child custody, property division, or divorce proceedings. The idea is to provide an additional layer of protection and accountability, not replace the state family court system. Still, courts will need to figure out the exact boundaries of that “interstate commerce connection,” especially since the definition of “Domestic Violence” also includes broad terms like “technological abuse” and “economic abuse.” While these broad definitions are good for covering all forms of control, they might lead to some initial legal back-and-forth as courts interpret what exactly constitutes “affecting interstate or foreign commerce” in these complex personal cases.