Courts View Abortion Procedures Ban as Dangerous, Unconstitutional

November 7, 2003

by Lisa Bennett, NOW Communications Director

Shortly after George W. Bush signed the so-called "Partial-Birth" Abortion Ban into law on Nov. 5, three federal judges issued temporary injunctions to prevent the law from taking effect. The district court judges—-in New York, Nebraska and California—-all indicated that the ban could be considered unconstitutional because it fails to provide an exception for women's health.

Together, these three injunctions ensure that the majority of doctors who perform abortions in the U.S. will be safe from prosecution until the courts have the opportunity to hear both sides' full arguments.

In his remarks at the signing Bush said that "the executive branch will vigorously defend this law against any who would try to overturn it in the courts."

"The actions of these three judges demonstrate the importance of keeping our courts from falling into conservative hands," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "These judges may have saved the lives and reproductive health of women across the country this week."

To stay updated on the status of the abortion procedures ban, continue to visit www.now.org in the coming weeks.