A federal judge has ruled against Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s threats to prosecute groups that help women obtain out-of-state abortions. The judge stated that the right to interstate travel is a fundamental constitutional right, protecting the ability of individuals to seek out lawful activities in other states. The lawsuit, brought by groups intending to help women access out-of-state abortions, will proceed as a result of the ruling.
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago, many states have implemented bans or restrictions on abortion access, leading to an increase in women seeking care across state lines. The decision in Alabama highlights the ongoing debate surrounding abortion rights and access to the procedure. The issue of out-of-state travel for abortion was not directly addressed in the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, but Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested that states cannot bar residents from traveling to other states for abortions.
Alongside restrictions on abortion access, the Supreme Court is also considering a challenge to the abortion pill mifepristone, further complicating the landscape of reproductive healthcare in the United States. The ACLU represented the groups challenging Alabama’s threats of prosecution, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that healthcare providers can offer comprehensive information about legal healthcare options for pregnant individuals.
Source
Photo credit amp.cnn.com