The US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year, paving the way for strong protests and bills and new laws restricting abortion. While some states have made strides in protecting women’s rights in this regard – or even expanding access – other states have taken a decisive step or two in the other direction. From the proposed death penalty to restricting access to abortion pills – here’s a look at some of the ‘anti-abortion moves’ that have emerged so far.
It is pertinent to note here that many of these state laws have been challenged in the courts and some are currently stalled or in limbo.
Different term abortion ban
Over the past year, several states have implemented restrictions at different times during pregnancy. Thirteen states now enforce a ban on abortion at any stage of pregnancy, while Georgia bans it once cardiac activity is detected, or around six weeks’ gestation.
A proposal to ban abortion at six weeks in Florida received overwhelming approval from a state House committee on Thursday, with Democrats acknowledging they could do nothing to prevent it from eventually becoming law. The proposal is moving forward while a ban on abortion at 15 weeks — signed into law last year by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis — still faces a legal challenge.
death penalty for abortion
In January of this year, South Carolina Republicans co-sponsored a bill seeking to enforce the state’s manslaughter laws for people who undergo abortions. Put more simply, the bill – already referred to the Rajya Sabha Judiciary Committee – would put women who get abortions at par with those found guilty of murder, which is punishable with the death penalty. As the legislature gained prominence, the number of MPs supporting it dwindled – falling from 24 to 15 last week. Some Republican leaders have indicated that the bill will be “dead on arrival” and will not reach the House floor.
ban on abortion pills
Several states have restricted access to abortion pills in recent weeks. They are already banned in 13 states that have outright bans on all forms of abortion. 15 states have limited access to abortion pills—six states require an in-person doctor’s visit.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed into law the nation’s first explicit ban on abortion pills Friday night. The ban will take effect in July, pending any legal action that could potentially be delayed.
Meanwhile, the Republican-led Senate in Kansas has passed a ban on prescribing abortion pills via telemedicine. The House is considering the measure.
Republican representatives in Texas have introduced legislation that would force Internet providers to block websites that supply abortion pills or provide information on how to obtain an abortion. The state already has a complete ban on abortion with very limited exceptions.
(with inputs from agencies)
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