North Dakota Passes Abortion Ban

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Facts

  • North Dakota's Republican Gov. Doug Burgum signed legislation Monday limiting most abortions throughout pregnancy, with some exceptions up to six weeks gestation.1
  • While designed to take effect immediately, last month, the state Supreme Court ruled abortion bans will remain blocked pending an ongoing lawsuit. Lawmakers said they passed the bill to show the courts that North Dakotans want to restrict abortion.2
  • Burgum's signature came after North Dakota state senators overwhelmingly passed the bill Wednesday. The governor said it 'clarifies and refines existing state law,' reaffirming that North Dakota is a 'pro-life state.'3
  • The new law would make performing an abortion a class C felony, except in cases of rape or incest before six weeks gestation or for medical emergencies that develop after six weeks. Physicians in violation of the bill could face a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $10K fine.4
  • After SCOTUS overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, multiple state laws banning abortion were triggered. North Dakota is one of more than a dozen states with abortion bans, many of which are facing legal battles.5
  • The new law passed with veto-proof majorities of 42-5 in the state senate and 76-14 in the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, North Dakota saw its last abortion clinic move to Minnesota last year, where the procedure is still legal.6

Sources: 1Associated Press, 2NBC, 3CBS, 4FOX News, 5Casper star and 6BBC News.

Narratives

  • Right narrative, as provided by Breitbart. North Dakota joins other brave US states as it takes the bold and righteous step to protect the most innocent. As a culturally pro-life state that saw its last abortion clinic close last year, this law reinforces the state's commitment to protecting the sanctity of all life. This legislation is welcomed news, and the pro-life movement will continue to grow stronger as more states stand with the unborn.
  • Left narrative, as provided by Vox. The North Dakota abortion ban defies both the law and the rights of women as it grants virtually no protection for women seeking access to an abortion. North Dakotans will be deprived of their bodily autonomy, and rape victims will be forced to carry their abusers’ child if they do not make a choice within six weeks. This law is against women, and it cannot stand.

Predictions