Mississippi’s Strict Abortion Law Temporarily Blocked

What’s the story?

• A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Mississippi law that would have banned abortions after 15 weeks.

Why does it matter?

• District Judge Carlton Reeves delayed the bill one day after Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed it into law.

I was proud to sign House Bill 1510 this afternoon. I am committed to making Mississippi the safest place in America for an unborn child, and this bill will help us achieve that goal. pic.twitter.com/O0O4QeILLx

— Phil Bryant (@PhilBryantMS) March 19, 2018

• Reeves wrote that the law - which enacted the tightest restrictions on abortion in the country – "threatens immediate, irreparable harm to Mississippians' abilities to control their 'destiny and…body." He continued:

"A brief delay in enforcing a law of dubious constitutionality does not outweigh that harm, and in fact serves the public's interest in preserving the freedom guaranteed by the United States Constitution."

• In response, Gov. Bryant released a public statement saying, "House Bill 1510 protects maternal health and will further our efforts to make Mississippi the safest place in America for an unborn child. We are confident in its constitutionality and look forward to vigorously defending it."

What do you think?

Does the Mississippi law, as Reeves claimed, violate the Roe v. Wade ruling that every woman has a constitutional right to "personal privacy" regarding her body? Should Congress revisit the 20 week abortion ban? The Mississippi law makes no exceptions for rape or incest, only for fetal abnormalities that are “incompatible with life”—which exemptions – if any – should be included in abortion bills? Hit Take Action and tell your reps, then share your thoughts below.

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—Josh Herman

Related Reading

• Senate Blocks Bill to Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks of Pregnancy

• Should the U.S. Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks of Pregnancy (With Exceptions)?

(Photo Credit: ericsphotography / iStock)