Utah bans abortions after 18 weeks, teeing up legal showdown

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has signed a law banning most abortions after 18 weeks of gestation, setting the stage for a legal showdown.

Though the Republican governor said the measure signed late Monday strikes a balance, opponents said it is unconstitutional and promised to sue. The law is expected to take effect in May.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah pointed to the U.S. Supreme Court's longtime holding that states cannot ban abortion before the fetus is viable outside the womb, usually at about 23 weeks.

The ban adds to a long list of abortion restrictions in Utah, including a 72-hour waiting period and an in-person informed consent session, Planned Parenthood of Utah said.

-snip-

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY — Mar 26, 2019 1:42 PM ET


Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/utah-bans-abortions-18-weeks-teeing-legal-showdown-61955060

[Make7]

1. A Federal Court just struck down North Carolina's abortion ban after 20-weeks.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10142292661



It looks like this is going to be headed to the Supreme Court.

[J_William_Ryan]

2. The authoritarian right needs to be careful what it wishes for.