Judge blocks Alabama’s abortion ban

Law makes it a felony to perform procedure

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Alabama’s abortion ban, which makes performing an abortion in almost all cases a felony crime, from taking effect on Nov. 15.

U. S. District Court Judge Myron Thompson issued the preliminary injunction in a lawsuit filed by abortion rights groups and providers in May.

“Alabama’s abortion ban contravenes clear Supreme Court precedent. It violates the right of an individual to privacy, to make ‘ choices central to personal dignity and autonomy,’ ” Thompson wrote, citing case law.

The ruling was not unexpected. The legislation, signed into law May 15 by Gov. Kay Ivey, had been expected to hit roadblocks in the federal court.

Supporters hoped the court challenge could ultimately challenge abortion rights at the federal level.

The law makes it a Class A felony, punishable by life or 10 to 99 years in prison, for anyone to perform an abortion. Attempting to perform an abortion would be a Class C felony, punishable by one to 10 years in prison. The woman who sought the abortion would not be held criminally liable.

The only exceptions allowed under the law would be to protect the health of the mother; a mental illness that could result in a woman’s death or a child’s death if she gives birth; or a fetus with a lethal anomaly.

The lawsuit argues that the law would all but ban abortion in Alabama and fall disproportionately on black women, who made up 60% of those seeking abortions in Alabama.