Bill Overview
Title: Protecting Mothers and Babies from Terrorism Act
Description: This bill deems certain conduct of members of Jane's Revenge and Ruth Sent Us as domestic terrorism.
Sponsors: Rep. Greene, Marjorie Taylor [R-GA-14]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals engaged in or supporting activities labeled as domestic terrorism under the Act
Estimated Size: 8000
- The bill targets members of specific groups: Jane's Revenge and Ruth Sent Us, both of which are known as activist groups in the United States known for advocating around reproductive rights.
- Members of these groups and affiliated organizations may number in the low thousands, considering the widespread but dispersed nature of such advocacy groups.
- Reproductive rights activists and protestors are the primary target, as the legislation specifically labels certain conduct by these groups as domestic terrorism.
- The repercussions extend potentially to allies and indirect participants of such groups, broadening the scope beyond immediate members.
- Enforcement of this bill could indirectly impact legal and civil rights organizations who provide counsel and support to accused individuals.
- Given the domestic U.S. focus and legislative context, the broad impact is primarily within the United States.
Reasoning
- The policy's budgetary constraints mean that large-scale enforcement or sweeping investigative actions are unlikely. Therefore, the impact is focused primarily on direct actions against identified members, while those indirectly associated might experience anxiety or uncertainty that could marginally affect their wellbeing.
- Protecting Mothers and Babies from Terrorism Act targets specific activist groups, and thus primary effects are limited to group members and possibly peripheral supporters.
- The affected population is relatively small, around 8,000 individuals primarily in the U.S., which aligns with the budget's scope and target group estimation.
- Given the nature of the policy, most Americans (not connected to these groups) would likely experience no change in wellbeing, indicating a need to simulate a wide range of potential responses, from no impact to significant impact for members.
- Since the target group is involved in reproductive rights activism, there is potential for significant negative wellbeing impact among those directly targeted by increased surveillance or legal actions.
Simulated Interviews
Reproductive Rights Activist (Portland, OR)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm worried about being unfairly targeted due to my activism.
- The bill might discourage people from joining important causes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 6 |
Software Developer (Austin, TX)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm not directly involved, but I worry about privacy and freedom of expression.
- The policy seems like an overreach that could affect innocent people.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
School Teacher (Des Moines, IA)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't feel affected, but am concerned about increasing surveillance in general.
- It's unclear how this policy actually helps mothers and babies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Civil Rights Lawyer (New York, NY)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy sets a dangerous precedent by labeling activists as terrorists.
- I'm concerned it will make it harder for people to seek legal help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Healthcare Worker (Denver, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't participate in activism, but I support my friends who are worried.
- This could cause unnecessary strain on our community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Retired (Dallas, TX)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am retired but follow these issues closely.
- The policy may deter public demonstration which is vital for democracy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
College Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about what this policy could mean for future activism.
- It's hard enough to speak up without being labeled negatively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although not directly involved, I worry about my digital privacy.
- The policy could stifle many forms of peaceful protest.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Government Employee (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 19/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think law enforcement should be stringent on those breaking the law, but careful consideration is crucial.
- I am unaffected by this policy personally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Journalist (Chicago, IL)
Age: 44 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The definition of terrorism should not include activists protected by free speech rights.
- Policies like these can set problematic precedents for other areas of the country.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $750000000)
Year 2: $520000000 (Low: $320000000, High: $780000000)
Year 3: $540000000 (Low: $340000000, High: $790000000)
Year 5: $580000000 (Low: $360000000, High: $820000000)
Year 10: $650000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $900000000)
Year 100: $1000000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $1500000000)
Key Considerations
- Defining specific conduct as domestic terrorism can have far-reaching legal, social, and civil rights implications.
- Careful balance between national security measures and civil liberties is crucial to avoid potential backlash.
- The bill could elevate federal agency workloads, requiring additional training and resources.