North Dakota moves closer to ban on abortion if Roe v. Wade reversed

Published: 2007-04-24

FARGO, N.D. (CNS) -- Following the advice of Bishop Samuel J. Aquila of Fargo, North Dakota legislators approved a bill April 23 that will make abortion illegal in the state if Roe v. Wade is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven was expected to sign the bill, which would make abortion a felony except in cases of rape or incest or to save the mother's life. Called a "trigger bill," the legislation would only take effect if the Supreme Court overturned its 1973 decision legalizing abortion in all 50 states. Mississippi passed similar legislation earlier this week; it was signed into law by Gov. Haley Barbour April 19. Anyone performing an illegal abortion under the North Dakota legislation would be subject to a $5,000 fine and/or up to five years in jail. The bill passed the House by a 68-24 vote and was approved in the Senate 29-16.

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