Trigger warning for those reading, blog post discusses sensitive topics.
The fight for abortion rights has been a constant battle since the Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade (1973). In today’s society, one can see that many conservative states are aiming to slowly ban abortion altogether. For instance, as of this week, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed a bill establishing one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion laws. The law states performing an abortion is a felony, punishable by a decade in prison and a fine of $100,000. In addition, the bill goes into effect 90 days after the legislative session ends in May. Although, like many other states, Oklahoma is awaiting the Supreme Courts’ decision on Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, which, if the law stands, would overturn Roe v. Wade (1973).
Additionally, the Oklahoma State Senate is considering a Texas-style law (HB 4327) prohibiting abortions at any point in pregnancy and allowing private citizens to carry out the law through civil litigation. One is to note these two new bills have no exception for cases of incest or rape. Abortion rights activists have stated the Oklahoma law is “unconstitutional,” and federal courts have blocked similar laws in Arkansas and Alabama.
Many fear that the Oklahoma law will have a trickling effect and send a message to other conservative states to put similar restrictions in place. Their fear is valid as Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed into law banning abortions in the state after 15 weeks. Likewise, Flordia’s governor has also signed a bill banning abortions after 15 weeks with no exceptions for rape, incest, or human trafficking. Furthermore, South Dakota has a law that restricts access to medication abortions in the state. Texas as well passed a law that prohibits a vast majority of abortions in the state.
With less access to abortions, women must travel to other states, which can be costly. Also, with less access to abortion, women might pursue a much more dangerous option of doing it themselves. According to Rebecca Tong, the co-executive director of Trust Women, people do not see the vast discrepancy between the number of people who need those services and those who get them. White House press secretary Jen Psaki urged Congress to ratify the Woman’s Health Protection Act, which would codify Roe v. Wade (1973).
This blog post is part of the CIMA Law Group Blog. If you are in need of legal help, the CIMA Law Group is a law firm in Phoenix, Arizona, which possesses expertise in Immigration Law, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury,
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