Tuesday federal Judge, Myron H. Thompson of the United States District Court in Middle Alabama, blocked the Alabama abortion ban from being enforced. Judge Thompson is blocking Alabama from enforcing the state’s strict abortion law. While hearing of the case the injunction will remain in place.
The state law was due to come into effect next month. It bans all abortions unless a mother’s health was in danger.
The Law
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed the bill into law in May. Under the law, those performing abortions would be committing a felony. The punishment for abortion providers is up to 99 years in prison. There is no criminal liability for a woman who receives an abortion. It is difficult to understand Judge Thompson’s ruling in that allowing the law to go into effect would have saved lives. Blocking the law actually results in the loss of lives.
Judge Thompson is an activist judge who is a 1969 graduate of Yale College and 1972 Yale Law School. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other groups sued to overturn the law. They argue the Alabama law clashes with the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade. That ruling permits abortions. There is no reasoning in the court’s ruling. It is difficult to understand why a federal court would challenge a state’s right to make a state law that protects life where federal laws allow it.
Conservatives have sought to enact abortion restrictions. They are working on behalf of life itself. With today’s technology there is no reason for abortion. Prevention is entirely possible. Conservatives believe all life is worth fighting for and preserving. They believe the Roe vs. Wade case was improperly decided and they do want to revisit the issue. Today’s ruling is a temporary restraint until the case is heard. It seems likely this matter is on a path toward the US Supreme Court.