Success: Harsh and Unreasonable Abortion Laws Blocked by Judge

Target: Susan N. Herman, President of the American Civil Liberties Union

Goal: Support the decision to block four abortion restrictions in Arkansas that grossly violate women’s rights.

Women’s rights have escaped from a new attack in Arkansas, as U.S. District Court Judge Kristine Baker blocked four new harsh restrictions on abortion in the state. Following public outcry, including petitions like this one at ForceChange, women will not be forced to notify a third party before receiving abortions, or be blocked from second trimester abortions altogether.

The judge ruled that the law which bans dilation and evacuation–a common procedure that is the main procedure for a safe second-trimester abortion–is far more harmful than beneficial, since it would effectively end access to second trimester abortions and would also threaten harm to abortion providers involved in the lawsuit.

The law imposing strict restrictions on the disposal of fetal remains, which would have forced women to notify a third party about their intentions before having an abortion (regardless of cases of rape or domestic abuse), was also stopped. This law was blocked on the grounds that it would discourage doctors from performing the procedure and cause significant delays in the process for women seeking an abortion.

Two other restrictions were also blocked. One would have violated privacy and delayed abortion access by requiring that a woman’s entire pregnancy history be examined by a doctor before the procedure. This is part of a law that would ban abortions based on the sex of the fetus. Finally, a law was blocked that would have increased the age (from 14 to 17) of patients for whom physicians must take stricter steps following an abortion procedure, such as notifying police of where the minor lives.

All of these laws would have been clear violations of the human rights of women. Sign below to thank the American Civil Liberties Union, which fought in court to have these unjust laws blocked.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Ms. Herman,

Thank you for fighting to protect the rights of the women of Arkansas and successfully persuading a judge to block four harsh new restrictions on abortion. All of these laws would have endangered women and severely limited their access to medical procedures which they have a right to.

These laws preventing or delaying access to abortion, disregarding women’s privacy and autonomy, and dissuading doctors from performing abortions are unjust, unreasonable, and clear violations of human rights. I support your work to stop these restrictions and ensure justice.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Fibonacci Blue