A federal judge on Saturday lifted some restrictions on North Carolina’s abortion ban.
A district judge, identified by the ACLU as Katherine Eagles, granted a preliminary injunction against Planned Parenthood of the South Atlantic, changing part of the abortion ban to “require the determination and documentation of intrauterine pregnancies” and “require the determination and documentation of intrauterine pregnancies.” In such cases, surgical abortion must be performed at a hospital.” The defendants, including North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein (D), are unenforceable.
“Plaintiffs have established that the law is likely to pose a direct threat to their and their patients’ constitutional rights, and that they will suffer irreparable harm,” Eagles wrote in the ruling. stated in a sentence.
The Eagles had previously temporarily blocked a portion of the law focused on doctors documenting intrauterine pregnancies in June. The 12-week ban was signed in June.
“We will always fight tooth and nail to make sure as many North Carolinians as possible have access to the health care they need,” Jenny Black, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said in a statement. Stated. “The court’s decision recognizes that abortion is medical care and that there is no medical reason to deny more patients access to this safe, compassionate, evidence-based treatment.”
“Planned Parenthood South Atlantic Association remains committed to helping all patients overcome the unjust and inhumane restrictions of this law. If you are in need of abortion care, please contact us as soon as possible. We encourage you to contact us,” Black continued.
Attorney General Josh Stein praised the ruling, calling the abortion ban “sloppily written.”
“Women, not politicians, should be making these decisions,” Stein wrote in her paper. statement. “And I will never stop fighting for women’s freedom.”
Following last year’s Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, many states have passed restrictive abortion bans or restrictions. Data from the Guttmacher Institute shows that the number of legal abortions in states bordering states with restrictive anti-abortion laws increased significantly in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2020. Ta.
The Hill has reached out to North Carolina Sen. Phil Berger (R) for comment.
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