Abortion Remains Legal in North Dakota As Near Total Abortion Ban Passes House

Ban severely limits freedoms of North Dakotans accessing reproductive health care

Bismarck, ND — Today, a near total abortion ban passed the North Dakota House. This comes a few weeks after the North Dakota Supreme Court blocked the state’s trigger abortion ban from taking effect, citing the fundamental right to life saving and health preserving abortions.

SB 2150 would ban 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. An amendment to increase the rape and incest exception from six to twelve weeks and include mental health exceptions was voted down in committee. If enacted, the ban would force doctors to choose between providing medically accurate, comprehensive reproductive health care or breaking the law.

Statement from Katie Christensen, North Dakota State Director, External Affairs for Planned Parenthood North Dakota Action Fund:

“It's heartbreaking and frustrating to watch a near to abortion ban pass the North Dakota House after the Supreme Court recognized the right to life saving and health preserving abortions. Abortion is essential health care, and North Dakotans deserve to make decisions about their bodies and futures. The North Dakota legislature fails to understand the basics of pregnancy and display special cruelty to survivors of rape and sexual assault by further stripping them of bodily autonomy. The Senate should reject the bill and keep abortion safe and legal in North Dakota.”

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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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