Current:Home > InvestNorth Dakota's governor has signed a law banning nearly all abortions -WealthX
North Dakota's governor has signed a law banning nearly all abortions
View
Date:2025-04-15 05:14:44
North Dakota on Monday adopted one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country as Republican Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation banning the procedure throughout pregnancy, with slim exceptions up to six weeks' gestation.
In those early weeks, abortion would be allowed only in cases of rape, incest or medical emergency, such as ectopic pregnancy.
"This bill clarifies and refines existing state law ... and reaffirms North Dakota as a pro-life state," Burgum said in a statement.
Last year's U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide has triggered multiple state laws banning or restricting the procedure. Many were met with legal challenges. Currently, bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy are in place in at least 13 states and on hold in others because of court injunctions. On the other side, Democratic governors in at least 20 states this year launched a network intended to strengthen abortion access in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that eliminated women's constitutional right to end a pregnancy and shifted regulatory powers over the procedure to state governments.
The North Dakota law is designed to take effect immediately, but last month the state Supreme Court ruled a previous ban is to remain blocked while a lawsuit over its constitutionality proceeds. Last week, lawmakers said they intended to pass the latest bill as a message to the state's high court signaling that the people of North Dakota want to restrict abortion.
Supporters have said the measure signed Monday protects all human life, while opponents contend it will have dire consequences for women and girls.
North Dakota no longer has any abortion clinics. Last summer, the state's only facility, the Red River Women's Clinic, shut its doors in Fargo and moved operations a short distance across the border to Moorhead, Minnesota, where abortion remains legal. The clinic's owner is still pursuing a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of North Dakota's previous abortion ban.
It's expected that this new ban will also be the subject of legal challenges.
Republican Sen. Janne Myrdal, of Edinburg, sponsored the latest state legislation.
"North Dakota has always been pro-life and believed in valuing the moms and children both," Myrdal said in an interview. "We're pretty happy and grateful that the governor stands with that value."
Democratic Rep. Liz Conmy voted against the bill and said she had hoped Burgum would not sign it.
"I don't think women in North Dakota are going to accept this, and there will be action in the future to get our rights back," Conmy said. "Our Legislature is overwhelmingly pro-pregnancy, but I think women in the state would like to make their own decisions."
veryGood! (16464)
Related
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- Stock market today: Asian shares track Wall Street’s slide on worries over interest rates
- The 77 Best Memorial Day 2024 Fashion Deals: J.Crew, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Michael Kors, Gap & More
- Why King Charles III, Prince William and the Royal Family Are Postponing Public Engagements
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Prosecutor tells jury that self-exiled wealthy Chinese businessman cheated thousands of $1 billion
- Special session for ensuring President Biden makes Ohio’s fall ballot could take several days
- Flags outside of Alito's houses spark political backlash as Supreme Court nears end of term
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Flags outside of Alito's houses spark political backlash as Supreme Court nears end of term
Ranking
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Oilers' Connor McDavid beats Stars in double overtime after being robbed in first OT
- A woman took her dog to a shelter to be euthanized. A year later, the dog is up for adoption again.
- This week on Sunday Morning (May 26)
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- What comes next for Ohio’s teacher pension fund? Prospects of a ‘hostile takeover’ are being probed
- American ex-fighter pilot accused of illegally training Chinese aviators can be extradited to U.S., Australian judge says
- Animal attacks reported across USA this spring. This piece of advice could save your life.
Recommendation
Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
Biden moves to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO U.S. ally
New Jersey earthquake: Small 2.9 magnitude quake shakes area Friday morning
Fleet Week NYC 2024: See massive warships sailing around New York to honor service members
Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
Arizona man convicted of murder in starvation death of his 6-year-son
Republican AGs ask Supreme Court to block climate change lawsuits brought by several states
Ketel Marte hitting streak: Diamondbacks star's batting average drops during 21-game hitting streak