by the associated pressNorth Dakota adopted one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country on Monday (local time) as Republican Governor Doug Burgum signed legislation banning the procedure during pregnancy up to six weeks gestation.
In those early weeks, abortion would be permitted only in cases of rape, incest, or medical emergencies, such as an ectopic pregnancy.
“This measure clarifies and refines existing state law … and reaffirms North Dakota as a pro-life state,” Burgum said in a statement.
Last year’s US Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, saying that legalizing abortion nationwide has led to many state laws banning or restricting the procedure. Many faced legal challenges. Currently, abortion at all stages of pregnancy is banned in at least 13 states and in other states due to court orders.
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On the other hand, Democratic governors in at least 20 states this year launched a network intended to strengthen abortion access in the wake of the US Supreme Court ruling that ended women’s constitutional right to end a pregnancy. and transferred regulatory powers over the process to state governments. ,
The North Dakota law is designed to take effect immediately, but last month, the state Supreme Court blocked a previous ban while its constitutionality was under trial. Last week, lawmakers said they want to pass the latest bill as a message to the state’s high court, signaling that North Dakotans want abortion restricted.
Supporters have said the measure signed Monday protects all human life, while opponents argue it will have dire consequences for women and girls.
There are no longer any abortion clinics in North Dakota. Last summer, the state’s only facility, Red River Women’s Clinic, closed its doors in Fargo and moved operations across the border to Moorhead, Minnesota, where abortion is legal. The clinic’s owners are still pursuing a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of North Dakota’s previous abortion ban.
It is expected that this new ban will also be subject to legal challenges.
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Republican Senator Jane Myrdal of Edinburgh sponsored the latest state legislation.
Myrdal said in an interview, “North Dakota has always been pro-life and believes in valuing both mothers and children.” “We are very pleased and grateful that the governor is standing by that value.”
Democratic Representative Liz Conemi voted against the bill and said she expected Burgum not to sign it.
“I don’t think the women in North Dakota are going to accept that, and there will be action in the future to get our rights back,” Cooney said. “Our legislature is overwhelmingly pro-pregnancy, but I think women in the state would like to make their own decisions.”
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