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Nine months after the US Supreme Court struck down a national abortion right, the scene is far from settled, with lawmakers considering a broader ban or stronger protections and legal remedies. challenge that arose throughout the country.
It’s been a busy week for abortion policy with Republican-led states seeking to tighten restrictions, Democratic lawmakers trying to protect access to abortion — and court battles playing out in droves. grounds.
Here’s what happened:
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF ABORTION PILLS?
This question is at the heart of today’s most closely watched abortion-related case.
The combination of the two drugs belongs to the country most common method for termination of pregnancy.
But the Alliance Defending Freedom, which opposes abortion, asked a Texas judge to revoke or suspend the 2000 US Food and Drug Administration approval of one of the drugs, mifepristone. The legal question arises as the Biden Administration works on rules to make the pills more widely available and pharmacies and state let’s see if that happens.
After a hearing last week, US District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, who sits in Amarillo, Texas, said he would rule “as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon became the first in the country to sign a bill especially the ban on abortion pills. It will take effect in July. Thirteen states have a blanket ban on all forms of abortion and 15 have access restrictions, such as requiring that the pills be dispensed only and directly by doctors.
On the same day that Gordon signed that, California Democrats introduced a measure intended to provide legal protection to doctors who send abortion pills to patients in other states. Several other Democrat-controlled states have proposed or adopted similar laws.
WHAT NEW BANS HAVE BEEN MADE?
Gordon in Wyoming also allowed a separate ban on abortions at all stages of pregnancy to go into effect on Sunday without his signature. However, a judge on Wednesday execution is stoppedat least for now.
Teton County District Court Judge Melissa Owens blocked an earlier ban last year hours before it would take effect. His initial restraining order remains in effect while courts decide whether it complies with the state constitution.
WHAT IS THE NEW COURT RULING?
This week, the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a narrow section of the state’s abortion ban.
The court ruled that a woman has the right to an abortion if her doctor finds that continuing her pregnancy endangers her life, not just if she is in the midst of a life-threatening medical emergency.
ARE THERE ANY NEW ANTI-ABORTION MEASURES?
the Kansas House on Wednesday passed a bill declaring that if an abortion procedure inadvertently results in a live birth, medical personnel must attempt to preserve the life of the newborn. The legislation now goes to the state Senate, where it is also expected to pass.
At least 18 other states have similar laws on the books. Opponents say it’s a rare situation — but that the law will create more trauma for women seeking abortions.
A similar measure is on the ballot in Montana last year and the voters rejected it.
WHICH STATES PROTECT ABORTION?
Oregon lawmakers heard testimony this week of a bill which would protect abortion providers and patients from criminal and civil liability in other states and allow a person to file a lawsuit against a public body for interfering with their reproductive health rights. The measure also seeks to protect gender-affirming care in the state.
Minnesota lawmakers have passed the bills to prohibit state enforcement of laws, subpoenas, judgments or extradition requests from other states for persons who obtain, provide or assist in abortion there. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green is expected to sign a similar move on Wednesday. As in other states, both governors signed executive orders extending the same protections.
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