WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, today introduced the Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2026. This legislation would establish a federal prohibition on dilation and evacuation procedures, commonly known as dismemberment abortions, in which surgical instruments are used to extract an unborn child piece by piece. Under this bill, physicians who knowingly perform these procedures will face fines and/or imprisonment of up to two years.

"Every life is a precious gift from God and should be treated with dignity," said Rounds. "Dismemberment abortions are among the most brutal methods of abortion, accounting for around 80% of second trimester abortions. Our legislation would make performing a dismemberment abortion a criminal offense, with the doctor or health care provider who performs it liable to fines and up to two years in prison."

"Every pre-born child is precious, and it's appalling that any physician trained to save lives would dismember a child in the womb. The fact that this horrifying procedure is still being done to babies who can feel pain in the womb is why we need to enact the Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act," Hyde-Smith said.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Kat Cammack (R-Fla.).

"Under our current system, abortion procedures exist in a legal gray area with no federal standards and no accountability. Providers can perform inhumane extraction methods and face zero consequences. That ends now," said Cammack. "This bill sets a clear federal standard that holds providers accountable, protects the dignity of all life, and ensures women are protected, not prosecuted."

The Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act is supported by South Dakota Right to Life, the National Pro-Life Alliance, National Right to Life, the Ethics and Religions Liberty Commission, Susan B. Anthony Pro-life America and Live Action.

"South Dakota Right to Life strongly supports this legislation to protect unborn children from the brutal and heinous practice of dismemberment abortion," said Jenn Lee, Executive Director of South Dakota Right to Life. "Every child in the womb is a human life with immeasurable value, and our laws should reflect our commitment to defending the most vulnerable among us. This legislation is an important and compassionate step toward protecting babies from violence and affirming our nation's dedication to life."

"Senator Mike Rounds is a steadfast pro-life champion dedicated to protecting the unborn from the moment of conception," said Marisa Jorge, Director of Legislation at the National Pro-Life Alliance. "We applaud this legislation to end one of the most brutal abortion procedures performed in the United States. His bill shines a light on the horrific reality of dismemberment abortions and exposes the radical agenda of the pro-abortion lobby, which continues to oppose even the most basic protections for unborn children. The National Pro-Life Alliance is grateful for Senator Rounds' unwavering commitment to defending the most vulnerable. The Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act represents a step toward restoring respect for human life and affirming the dignity of every child, born and unborn."

"The Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act addresses a horrific abortion procedure commonly performed in the United States," said Carol Tobias, President of National Right to Life. "No child should be subjected to being torn apart piece by piece before birth. This bill affirms the fundamental principle that every human life has inherent dignity and worth. We thank Senator Rounds for reintroducing this critical piece of legislation. National Right to Life proudly supports this measure and urges Congress to pass it."

"Senator Rounds' legislation would be a common-sense extension of current law to bar a particularly egregious form of abortion," said Dr. Evan Lenow, President of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. "Dismemberment abortions are cruel, and the civil penalty should reflect the seriousness of the harm inflicted."

"On the fourth anniversary of the landmark Dobbs decision, we face the grim reality that abortions are up across the nation," said Hon. Marilyn Musgrave, Vice President of Government Affairs for Susan B. Anthony Pro-life America. "The most common second trimester abortion method, dismemberment abortions, end the life of an unborn baby by tearing off her arms and legs, removing her torso, then crushing her tiny head. This barbaric practice takes the lives of 60,000 to 70,000 fully formed babies every year. We applaud Senator Rounds, Senator Hyde-Smith, and their colleagues in the Senate for introducing this bill to put an end to these brutal abortions. As we continue onward in a post-Roe America, we look forward to continuing to work with members of Congress to pass legislation that protects unborn children and their mothers from the horror of abortion."

"Every child, no matter how small, deserves protection under the law," said Mark T. Wiltz, Director of Government Affairs at Live Action. "The Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act would end a barbaric procedure that brutally takes the life of a preborn child. While Live Action believes that every abortion unjustly ends an innocent human life and should ultimately be abolished, this legislation is a step toward protecting vulnerable children. Live Action is grateful to Senator Rounds for standing for the fundamental human rights of the most vulnerable among us."

Click HERE for full bill text.

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