Near Total Abortion Ban Heads to Gov. Burgum's Desk

Harmful ban could be vetoed to keep abortion safe and legal in North Dakota

Bismarck, ND — Today, a near total abortion ban heads to Governor Burgum’s desk after being passed by the North Dakota legislature. 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. And as seen in other states across the U.S., narrow exceptions often block pregnant people receiving appropriate health care.

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

“Governor Burgum needs to veto this harmful, likely unconstitutional legislation. Today, abortion is safe and legal in North Dakota, and it needs to stay that way. Doctors should never be put in a position to choose between practicing the ethical standard of care or breaking the law. Survivors of rape and sexual assault should not be forced by the state to carry a pregnancy to term. All North Dakotans deserve to make decisions about their bodies and lives.”

###

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

Tags: