A recent ruling by North Dakota’s state Supreme Court has upheld a law making it a felony to perform abortions in the state. This decision reverses a previous ruling that had temporarily blocked the law.
Details of the Court Ruling
On Friday, the court’s decision came after a panel of five justices reviewed the law. Three out of the five justices viewed the law as invalid. However, a majority of four votes was necessary to strike it down.
Penalties for Violating the Law
The law stipulates harsh penalties for violations:
- Up to five years in prison
- A fine of $10,000
This aligns North Dakota with 12 other states that have enacted total bans on abortion since the US Supreme Court overturned federal abortion rights in 2022.
Background and Legal Challenges
The law faced challenges from an abortion clinic in the state. Previously, courts had ruled that the law could not take effect while the legal disputes continued. Despite this, the Supreme Court’s ruling allows the law to be enforced.
Exceptions to the Law
Under the law, there are exceptions for cases where the mother’s life is at risk. However, victims of rape and incest can only seek an abortion within the first six weeks of pregnancy. Critics argue that this timeframe is before many women realize they are pregnant.
Implications and Reactions
The justices concluded that the North Dakota constitution does not guarantee the right to an abortion. They noted that the law offers “adequate and fair warning” to those seeking compliance.
North Dakota’s Republican Attorney General Drew Wrigley commended the ruling. He stated that the decision supports vital pro-life legislation passed by the state legislature.
As of now, the Red River Women’s Clinic, which was the last abortion provider in North Dakota before relocating to Minnesota in 2022, has not issued a statement regarding the ruling.
