Health

Status of Abortion Litigation in State Courts

Summary:

The Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling overturned Roe v. Wade, shifting abortion regulation to state governments. Legal challenges to state abortion bans are underway, with advocates arguing violations of state constitutions or laws. Federal litigation also addresses conflicts between state and federal authority on abortion and contraception access. Tracking tools provide real-time updates on both state and federal court cases.

What This Means for You:

  • Monitor State Laws: Abortion access now varies by state—check local regulations if seeking care.
  • Legal Advocacy: Support organizations challenging bans if reproductive rights align with your values.
  • Federal Implications: Watch for rulings that could override state restrictions (e.g., FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine).
  • Future Uncertainty: Expect prolonged legal battles; state constitutions may become critical battlegrounds.

Original Post:

Last updated on

The Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling, overturning Roe v. Wade, returned the decision to restrict or protect abortion to states. In many states, abortion providers and advocates are challenging state abortion bans contending that the bans violate the state constitution or another state law. The state litigation tracker presents up-to-date information on the ongoing litigation challenging state abortion policy.

In addition, since the Dobbs decision, new questions have arisen regarding the intersection of federal and state authority when it impacts access to abortion and contraception. Litigation has been brought in federal court to resolve some of these questions. The federal litigation tracker presents up-to-date information on the litigation in federal courts that involves access to contraception and abortion.

Status of Abortion Litigation in State Courts, as of 2/14/2023
Status of Abortion Litigation in State Courts, as of February 15, 2023

Extra Information:

Guttmacher Institute’s State Policy Tracker details legislative changes post-Dobbs.
Center for Reproductive Rights provides legal analysis and advocacy tools.

People Also Ask About:

  • Which states have banned abortion? Over 15 states enforce near-total bans, while others protect access.
  • Can the FDA override state abortion bans? Pending federal cases may determine if federal drug approval preempts state restrictions.
  • How do state constitutions protect abortion? Some guarantee privacy rights broader than the U.S. Constitution.
  • What’s the status of emergency abortion access? The Supreme Court may clarify exemptions under EMTALA.

Expert Opinion:

Legal scholars note that Dobbs has created a patchwork of laws, increasing reliance on interstate travel for care. Future rulings on federal preemption—such as in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine—could either deepen disparities or establish national safeguards.

Key Terms:

  • Post-Dobbs abortion litigation trends
  • State constitutional challenges to abortion bans
  • Federal preemption and abortion access
  • Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) abortion cases
  • Contraception access federal lawsuits



ORIGINAL SOURCE:

Source link

Search the Web