North Dakota Judge Strikes Down Near-Total Abortion Ban

Judge Bruce Romanick ruled the state’s restrictive abortion law unconstitutional, citing violations of personal freedoms and due process.

North Dakota’s near-total abortion ban, which allowed exceptions only for rape, incest, and life-threatening situations, has been overturned.
Judge Bruce Romanick found the law violated the North Dakota Constitution by infringing on individuals' rights to make personal medical decisions.
The ruling criticized the law for its vagueness, which left healthcare providers uncertain about when abortions could be legally performed.
North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley announced plans to appeal the decision to higher courts.
Abortion rights advocates hailed the ruling as a victory, though challenges remain, including the absence of operational abortion clinics in the state.