Supreme Court Arguments Mark a New Era and Threaten Nearly 50 Years of Reproductive Rights in the United States

FARGO, ND—The U.S. Supreme Court, with its new conservative majority, began oral arguments this week in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, an abortion case with the potential to strip Americans of their federally-protected right to abortion.

By July 2022, the Court will decide the constitutionality of the Mississippi law that bans abortion at 15 weeks, a ruling that could undo 50 years of precedent under Roe v. Wade. Overturning Roe would leave the question of abortion rights to state legislatures and governors and with abortion opponents in power in many states, we are likely to see more abortion bans take effect nationwide.

“North Dakota is one of 12 states with so-called trigger laws.” says Kristie Wolff, Executive Director, North Dakota Women’s Network, “Without protections under Roe, 171,000 North Dakotas of reproductive age risk losing access to safe and legal abortion.”

No matter what decision the Court issues later this year, the North Dakota Women’s Network and Planned Parenthood will be here to defend reproductive rights—including abortion.

“In Mississippi and in North Dakota, the burden of abortion bans will always fall the hardest on those who don't have the resources to travel out of state, take time off work, or pay for a costly procedure” says Katie Christensen, North Dakota State Director of External Affairs. “Everyone deserves the dignity and freedom to make their own decisions about their body, their future, and their health care.”

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Founded in 2004, the North Dakota Women’s Network serves as a catalyst for improving the lives of women through communication, legislation and increased public activism.

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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