In 2013, North Dakota passed a series of restrictive abortion laws that were considered some of the most extreme in the country. These laws included a ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, which is before many women even know they are pregnant, and a requirement that doctors who perform abortions have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. These laws were challenged in court and ultimately struck down as unconstitutional.
However, in 2019, North Dakota passed a new set of abortion laws that are once again being challenged in court. This time, the lawsuit is being brought by the Red River Women’s Clinic, the only abortion clinic in North Dakota, and its medical director, Dr. Kathryn Eggleston.
The new laws include a requirement that doctors inform patients that medication-induced abortions can be reversed, despite there being no scientific evidence to support this claim. The laws also require doctors to tell patients that abortion increases the risk of breast cancer, which is also not supported by scientific evidence.
In addition, the new laws require doctors to inform patients that if they have an abortion, they may be liable for child support if the biological father wants to keep the child. This provision has been criticized as an attempt to intimidate women out of having abortions.
The lawsuit argues that these new laws violate the constitutional rights of women seeking abortions and the medical professionals who provide them. The lawsuit also argues that the laws are based on false and misleading information and are intended to shame and stigmatize women who choose to have abortions.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications not only for women in North Dakota but for women across the country. If the laws are upheld, it could embolden other states to pass similar laws based on false information and designed to restrict access to abortion.
On the other hand, if the laws are struck down, it could send a message that states cannot pass laws that violate the constitutional rights of women seeking abortions and the medical professionals who provide them.
Regardless of the outcome, this ongoing lawsuit highlights the ongoing battle over reproductive rights in the United States and the importance of protecting women’s access to safe and legal abortion.
