NY.- New court rulings could prompt further changes to US abortion policy, which have been flowing since last June when the Supreme Court struck down abortion rights across the country.
Courts are considering big changes, including some major implications, as state legislatures enact more restrictions or bans.
This is what is happening:
What’s new about abortion pills?
Most abortions in the United States are performed using two medications. Anti-abortion groups are trying to limit access to one of them.
In a dueling decision that took place last Friday, two federal courts issued conflicting rulings about whether one of the drugs, Mifepristone, should remain available.
A federal judge in Spokane, Washington, has ordered the FDA not to do anything to block the availability of Mifespristone in 17 Democratic states that have sued to keep it on the market.
Those states are: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington and the District of Columbia.
What’s next about abortion pills?
President Joe Biden’s administration has asked the court to block a Texas ruling that would go into effect on Saturday. He also asked a Washington court to be clear in its decisions.
Whichever side loses is sure to appeal all the way to the country’s Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, some Democratic-controlled states are stockpiling abortion pills, including New York, while Wyoming last month became the first state to ban abortion drugs.
What’s new in other courts?
Across the country, advocates have sued dozens of abortion laws.
This Tuesday, the issue was aired before a state Supreme Court, which is made up of seven Republican appointees. They are expected to make a new decision this summer.
Earlier this day, a Montana judge rejected Planned Parenthood’s petition to block legislation before it’s signed that would prohibit delay and evacuation in abortions, the practice that is all too common in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Opponents want to act quickly because the law could take effect immediately if Gov. Greg Gianforte signs it.
What next regarding legislators?
Nebraska lawmakers will begin debating Wednesday a proposal that would ban abortion once fetal heart activity is detected.
In February, the South Carolina Senate approved that ban. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has supported banning abortion before 15 weeks of pregnancy that is in effect in this place.
The state Senate passed a ban after six weeks of gestation. The measure could pass the House and be sent to DeSantis as soon as this week.
What has happened legislators?
Abortion is prohibited at all stages of pregnancy in 13 states and in one when heart activity is detected.
Courts have blocked pregnancy bans in five other states and one when heart activity is detected.
Republicans in those places and others are pushing for tougher policies.
Earlier this month, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed legislation making it a crime for an adult to help a minor get an abortion without parental consent.
Iowa’s attorney general has announced that it will stop paying for emergency contraception and abortions to victims of sexual assault while it studies the policy.
