Fargo, ND — North Dakota lawmakers held a House committee hearing today on one of the most extreme anti-abortion bills in the country. HB 1313 would criminalize abortion, possibly resulting in life in prison without parole for doctors who provide abortion care. The measure leaves the door open to punish anyone who discusses abortion care, drives a friend or family member to an abortion appointment, or provides counseling to someone seeking an abortion with up to five years in prison.
Statement from Katie Christensen, North Dakota State Director of External Affairs, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund:
“HB 1313 would not only criminalize abortion providers, it could also criminalize pregnant people who have abortions. This bill could subject women who suffer miscarriages to criminal investigations and the threat of severe criminal penalties and punishment. Anyone who helps a pregnant person obtain an abortion could also face up to five years in prison under this extreme proposal.
This bill goes way too far. It is dangerous, it will put North Dakotans in prison for providing access to health care and it must be stopped.”
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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.
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