North Dakota Judge Overturns Near-Total Abortion Ban: Legalizes Abortion

A North Dakota state judge overturned the state's near-total abortion ban, making abortion legal again. Judge Bruce Romanick cited the state constitution's protection of a woman's right to an abortion before the fetus is viable. The decision is expected to take effect within 14 days, pending appeal.

A North Dakota state court judge has overturned the state's near-total abortion ban, making abortion legal in the state for the first time in over a year. Judge Bruce Romanick ruled that the state constitution protects women's rights to an abortion before the fetus is viable, siding with abortion providers challenging the ban.

The landmark decision will take effect within 14 days. Meetra Mehdizadeh, a lawyer at the Center for Reproductive Rights, hailed it as a significant win for reproductive freedom in North Dakota. Meanwhile, North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced plans to appeal, arguing that the judge's decision overrides legislative intent and state Supreme Court precedent.

Governor Doug Burgum had signed the controversial law in April 2023, which made performing abortions a felony. The law included limited exceptions for the life and health of the mother, as well as rape and incest victims, but these were contested as vague by abortion providers. The judge's ruling follows a series of legal challenges and is part of a broader national debate on reproductive rights leading up to the 2024 elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)