Utah’s top court to review abortion trigger ban challenge.
The Utah Supreme Court to Hear Case Challenging Abortion Trigger Law
The Utah Supreme Court is set to hear a case from Planned Parenthood on Tuesday, challenging the state’s abortion trigger law. This comes over a year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion.
Shortly after the landmark Roe v. Wade decision was overturned, Planned Parenthood, in collaboration with the American Civil Liberties Union, took action against Utah Senate Bill 174. This trigger law criminalizes almost all abortions in Utah, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or maternal health risks. Attorneys representing the reproductive healthcare organization filed a temporary restraining order to halt the law, arguing that abortion is protected under the Constitution through equal rights and due process.
Temporary Restraining Order Blocks Law
A judge granted the temporary restraining order, issuing a preliminary injunction that effectively prevents the state law from taking effect until the lawsuit is resolved.
“There is a reasonable argument here that the Act violates some right to bodily integrity,” stated 3rd District Judge Andrew Stone in his ruling.
Currently, abortion is legal in Utah up to 18 weeks of pregnancy, and individuals can still access the procedure at abortion clinics. The state has three clinics that offer abortion services.
“The Supreme Court ruling was devastating and terrifying for our patients and providers, but at least for now, Utahns will be able to get the care they need,” said Kerrie Galloway, CEO of the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, in a statement following the judge’s decision.
Lawyers representing the state of Utah argue that there is no specific legislation in place protecting the right to abortion.
In anticipation of the upcoming case in Utah’s 3rd Judicial District Court, advocates on both sides of the abortion debate have been rallying. On Sunday, protesters gathered outside the Utah Capitol to express their views.
“If the trigger ban went into effect, it would cause irreparable harm to Utahns and their families,” warned Camila Vega, an attorney from Planned Parenthood.
Members of the Pro-Life Utah organization and Sidewalk Advocates for Life, a national outreach program, also showed up to demand the trigger ban be implemented.
“We pray for courage and compassion from the Utah Supreme Court justices who will hear the case on Tuesday,” expressed Mary Taylor, President of Pro-Life Utah, in an interview with KJZZ.
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