Anti-abortion legislation in 5 states gives rapists and their families the right to sue abortion providers for at least $10k

In Texas, Idaho, Tennessee, Ohio and Oklahoma, bounty-style laws banning abortion offer no exceptions for rape or incest and may offer rapists and their families more rights than pregnant women.

The bills deputize citizens to pursue civil damages from people who perform abortions, as well as people who knowingly transport patients to their abortion appointment.

The laws don't penalize individuals for getting an abortion, but they do penalize those who help them get one.

In Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Ohio, anyone can file a lawsuit against medical professionals who perform abortions for up to $10,000 in damages per abortion.

Rebecca Alexander, a Republican from Tennessee, sponsored a bill that said civilians could file suit.

If the rapist's victim gets an abortion, the family or friends of the rapist may be able to file a civil lawsuit.

When asked if the family, friends, spouse or neighbors of a rapist could file a lawsuit under the Tennessee law, Rep. Alexander acknowledged this fact.

"My assumption is that they could, other than the rapist," Rep. Alexander said.

Even if they are related through sexual assault or incest, the parents, siblings, grandparents, and aunts or uncles of the pregnant person or the fetus can still be sued. The state Supreme Court temporarily blocked implementation of the law in April, but these family members can still file a lawsuit.

Should the Supreme Court overturn the case, Idaho's bounty law and a law making abortion a felony will take effect.

If I am raped and choose to have an abortion and my rapist has 10 siblings, is there anything I can do to prevent them from bringing a lawsuit for $20,000 each?

Republican Idaho state Rep. Steve Harris, the bill's sponsor, said he was not sure their spouses were included in the list.

The office of Steve Harris did not immediately return Insider's requests for comment.

The GOP-led states have passed bans on abortion with no exception for rape or incest, which is a departure from previous party rules. 13 "trigger laws" already in place across the country will take effect if the abortion law is overturned.

The president of the sexual assault center in Nashville is my wife, and I opposed the bill that was passed in Tennessee. We are essentially saying, "Tough luck, honey." We know what is best for you.

That is just appalling to me.