North Dakota Court Overturns Abortion Ban: Legal Again After Over a Year

A North Dakota judge has overturned the state's ban on most abortions, citing constitutional protection of women's rights. The decision, effective in 14 days, allows abortion to become legal for the first time in over a year. The original law banned most abortions, with exceptions for the mother’s health and cases of rape and incest within six weeks.

A North Dakota state court judge overturned the state's abortion ban on Thursday, clearing the way for the procedure to become legal in the state for the first time in over a year.

Judge Bruce Romanick ruled that the North Dakota constitution protects women's right to an abortion before fetal viability, siding with abortion providers challenging the ban. The ruling will take effect in 14 days.

The ban, signed into law by Governor Doug Burgum in April 2023, made it a felony for doctors to perform abortions, except when necessary to save the mother's life or in cases of significant health risks. Exceptions also applied for rape and incest victims, but only within the first six weeks of pregnancy.

(With inputs from agencies.)