Extreme ban will stop pregnant North Dakotans from receiving comprehensive reproductive health care
Bismarck, ND — Today, Governor Burgum signed a near total abortion ban. 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 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. This is before most people even know they are pregnant, making the ‘exception’ essentially useless at protecting survivors of rape and incest. And as seen in other states across the U.S., narrow exceptions often block pregnant people from receiving appropriate health care.
Statement from Katie Christensen, North Dakota State Director, External Affairs for Planned Parenthood North Dakota Action Fund:
“Pregnant people across North Dakota will be harmed by this likely unconstitutional legislation. Abortion is essential health care, and politicians have no place inserting themselves into private, personal medical decisions. My heart is heavy for survivors of rape and sexual assault who will have their bodily autonomy further stripped away, for doctors who will have to choose between practicing the ethical standard of care or breaking the law. All North Dakotans deserve to make their own decisions about their bodies and futures.”
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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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