Current:Home > ScamsJudge: Alabama groups can sue over threat of prosecution for helping with abortion travel-LoTradeCoin
Judge: Alabama groups can sue over threat of prosecution for helping with abortion travel
View Date:2024-12-23 14:47:10
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge on Monday said abortion rights advocates can proceed with lawsuits against Alabama’s attorney general over threats to prosecute people who help women travel to another state to terminate pregnancies.
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson denied Attorney General Steve Marshall’s request to dismiss the case. The groups said Marshall has suggested anti-conspiracy laws could be used to prosecute those who help Alabama women obtain an abortion in another state. The two lawsuits seek a legal ruling clarifying that the state can’t prosecute people for providing such assistance.
Alabama bans abortion at any stage of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape and incest.
While Thompson did not issue a final ruling, he said the organizations “correctly contend” that the attorney general “cannot constitutionally prosecute people for acts taken within the State meant to facilitate lawful out of state conduct, including obtaining an abortion.”
“Alabama can no more restrict people from going to, say, California to engage in what is lawful there than California can restrict people from coming to Alabama to do what is lawful here. In this sense, the case is not an especially difficult call,” Thompson wrote.
Marshall has not prosecuted anyone for providing abortion assistance, but he has made statements suggesting his office would “look at” groups that provide help. Marshall’s office had asked Thompson to dismiss the lawsuit.
One lawsuit was filed by the Yellowhammer Fund. That group stopped providing financial assistance to low income persons over concerns about possible prosecution. The other suit was filed by an obstetrician and two former abortion clinics that continue to provide contraception and other health services.
Plaintiffs said Marshall’s comments have had a chilling effect on their work and made it difficult for doctors and others to know if they can make appointments and referrals for abortions out of state.
Thompson scheduled a May 15 status conference to discuss the next steps. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and handed authority on abortion law to the states, the Deep South quickly became an area of limited abortion access.
veryGood! (15)
Related
- Opinion: NFL began season with no Black offensive coordinators, first time since the 1980s
- 100% Renewable Energy: Cleveland Sets a Big Goal as It Sheds Its Fossil Fuel Past
- Amy Schumer Calls Out Celebrities for “Lying” About Using Ozempic
- Raquel Leviss Wants to Share Unfiltered Truth About Scandoval After Finishing Treatment
- Artem Chigvintsev Returns to Dancing With the Stars Ballroom Amid Nikki Garcia Divorce
- Best Friend Day Gifts Under $100: Here's What To Buy the Bestie That Has It All
- YouTuber Grace Helbig reveals breast cancer diagnosis: It's very surreal
- These On-Sale Amazon Shorts Have 12,000+ 5-Star Ratings— & Reviewers Say They're So Comfortable
- Jared Goff stats: Lions QB throws career-high 5 INTs in SNF win over Texans
- Drive-by shooting on D.C. street during Fourth of July celebrations wounds 9
Ranking
- Residents urged to shelter in place after apparent explosion at Louisville business
- Oil Investors Call for Human Rights Risk Report After Standing Rock
- RHOC's Tamra Judge Reveals Where She and Shannon Beador Stand After Huge Reconciliation Fight
- 1 person shot during Fourth of July fireworks at Camden, N.J. waterfront
- Diamond Sports Group can emerge out of bankruptcy after having reorganization plan approved
- These On-Sale Amazon Shorts Have 12,000+ 5-Star Ratings— & Reviewers Say They're So Comfortable
- In Georgia, 16 Superfund Sites Are Threatened by Extreme Weather Linked to Climate Change
- Biochar Traps Water and Fixes Carbon in Soil, Helping the Climate. But It’s Expensive
Recommendation
-
Burt Bacharach, composer of classic songs, will have papers donated to Library of Congress
-
The story behind the flag that inspired The Star-Spangled Banner
-
Hurricane Irma’s Overlooked Victims: Migrant Farm Workers Living at the Edge
-
Army utilizes a different kind of boot camp to bolster recruiting numbers
-
Michael Jordan and driver Tyler Reddick come up short in bid for NASCAR championship
-
These cities are having drone shows instead of fireworks displays for Fourth of July celebrations
-
Entourage's Adrian Grenier Welcomes First Baby With Wife Jordan
-
Despite soaring prices, flexible travelers can find budget-friendly ways to enjoy summer getaways