Appeals court affirms tossing North Dakota law that bans abortion if fetal heartbeat detected
BISMARCK, N.D. – A federal appeals court has affirmed a ruling that struck down a North Dakota law banning abortions when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can be as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.
The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld the decision last year of a federal judge who ruled the law was unconstitutional. Abortion rights supporters have called it the most restrictive abortion law in the country.
The law was approved by the Republican-dominated Legislature in 2013, though it was quickly put on hold after North Dakota’s lone abortion clinic filed a lawsuit that July.
The measure was among four anti-abortion bills that Republican Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed into law that year with overwhelming support from lawmakers.
News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.