North Dakota is taking a big step back on abortion. Its Republican governor signed a law on Monday that bans almost all abortions in this sparsely populated state in the north of the United States.
According to Governor Doug Burgum’s statement, “this law clarifies and refines existing state law,” triggered by the June 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling voiding the warranty. constitutional to abortion. This predominantly conservative state has nearly 800,000 inhabitants.
Up to five years in prison for offenders
In fact, performing any abortion is now prohibited in North Dakota “from conception”, with some exceptions, in particular if the pregnancy poses serious health risks to the mother. An exception is also provided for up to six weeks of pregnancy if it results from a case of rape or incest. Offending physicians face up to five years in prison.
Since June 2022 and the decision of the American Supreme Court, fifteen states have banned abortion on their soil. On April 13, the Florida parliament, for example, banned it beyond six weeks of pregnancy, a law described as “extreme and dangerous” by the White House.
The Supreme Court on Friday ruled to maintain access for now to an abortion pill used for more than half of abortions in the country, suspending restrictions decided by lower courts and offering temporary respite to rights advocates. abortion. The decision of the Supreme Court means in particular that the Americans will be able to continue for the moment to receive by mail the mifepristone, the name of the abortion pill, in the States where the IVG remains legal.