Lawmakers Heard Testimony on Near Total Abortion Ban in North Dakota

The bill would put pregnant people in danger and prohibit doctors from providing comprehensive reproductive health care

Bismarck, ND — On Monday, the North Dakota Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony for a near total abortion ban, SB 2150. The bill bans all abortions in North Dakota, except in very narrow circumstances where a pregnant person’s life is at risk. The bill also provides an exception for survivors of rape or incest, but only until six weeks of pregnancy, before most people even know they are pregnant. If enacted, the ban would force doctors to choose between providing medically accurate, comprehensive reproductive health care or breaking the law.

"The proposed near total abortion ban is horrific,” said Katie Christensen, North Dakota State Director, External Affairs for Planned Parenthood North Dakota Action Fund. “Abortion is essential health care. States with strong access to abortion have lower maternal mortality rates, lower infant death rates, improved prenatal care access, and higher contraception uptake.”

In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 landmark case Roe v. Wade eliminating the federal right to abortion. This decision was a shattering blow to the right to access abortion in the United States and activated a trigger ban in North Dakota that would ban all abortions in the state. The trigger ban is currently not in effect and is being considered by the North Dakota Supreme Court. The most recent ban proposed by the legislature would be distinct from and in addition to the trigger ban and could invite additional litigation.

The decision about whether, when, or how to become a parent is one of the most important life decisions we make. This legislation would further insert state lawmakers into important, personal private decisions that should be made by individuals in consultation with their doctors and their families, and it would make it impossible for many North Dakotans to access critical abortion care.

“During Monday’s hearing, we heard doctors and medical students voice their concerns — and those fears are not unfounded,” said Christensen. “States across the country with similar laws have intimidated their medical professionals and prevented pregnant patients from receiving the timely, quality health care they need and deserve. If passed, this bill will undoubtedly harm North Dakotans.”

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Founded in 1992, the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization. As the advocacy and electoral arm of PPMNS, we mobilize supporters of all parties to defend and increase access to family planning services and fact based, medically accurate sexuality education. We work to inspire and engage citizens to take up the cause of reproductive health and rights through education, electoral activity, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy.

Visit us at www.plannedparenthoodadvocate.org

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