North Dakota has passed one of the toughest anti-abortion laws in the United States since the Republican governor Doug Durgum promulgated the provision that inhibits the procedure throughout the pregnancywith few exceptions until the sixth week of pregnancy, when many women do not yet know they are pregnant.
In those first few weeks, abortion is only allowed in cases of rape, incest or medical emergenciessuch as an ectopic pregnancy.
“This law clarifies and redefines current state law…and supports North Dakota as an pro-life statusBurgum argued in a statement.
Last year’s ruling by the federal Supreme Court, which overturned Roe v. Wade’s 1973 law that legalized abortion nationwide, triggered multiple state laws banning or restricting the procedure.
many of them have been challenged in court. Currently, there are bans on abortion in all stages of pregnancy in at least 13 states, and in others they are suspended due to court orders.
On the other hand, Democratic governors of at least 20 states launched a network this year to strengthen access to abortion after the Supreme Court ruling nullified women’s constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy and transferred to state governments the regulatory powers of this procedure.
North Dakota law is designed to take effect immediatelyBut the state Supreme Court ruled last month that a previous ban should remain stalled pending a trial over its constitutionality.
Lawmakers last week said they planned to pass the new bill to send the message to the state’s highest court that North Dakotans want to limit abortion.
Supporters of the measure on Monday said it protects all human life, while opponents said so it will have serious consequences for women and girls.
The new ban is also expected to be the subject of legal challenges.
ap
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.