North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple has signed three abortion control measures into law.
And in doing so, he’s urging the North Dakota Legislature to appropriate money for a litigation fund – to defend the laws in court.
Dalrymple signed House Bill 1456, the so-called “fetal heartbeat” bill, which would ban abortions after six weeks. In a statement to legislative leadership, Dalrymple said while the likelihood of the measure surviving a court challenge remains in question, “the bill nevertheless is a legitimate attempt by a state legislature to discover the boundaries of Roe v. Wade.” This measure is considered the most restrictive passed by any legislature.
The Governor also signed Senate Bill 2305, which requires a doctor performing abortions to be admitted to and have staff privileges at a nearby hospital. Again, Dalrymple said this bill would likely face a court challenge. But he said, “It is a legitimate and new question for the courts regarding a precise restriction on doctor who perform abortions.”
The third bill signed by Dalrymple – House Bill 1305 – would ban abortions performed for sex selection and genetic abnormalities.
Legislators who support abortion rights are not happy.
“I am disappointed beyond belief,” said Rep. Kathy Hawken (R-Fargo), one of a bipartisan group of legislators that met with Dalrymple and asked him to veto the bills. “These are unconstitutional bills. And I expected more.”
“He’s had an extreme amount of pressure put on him by both sides,” said Sen. Karen Krebsbach (R-Minot). “Would I have liked to see otherwise? Yes. But we have to accept it.”
Abortion foes are very happy.
“It’s a great day in North Dakota for babies,” said Rep. Bette Grande (R-Fargo), who either sponsored or co-sponsored the abortion bills. “We have a wonderful pro-life governor that is doing what is right for the citizens of North Dakota.”
Hawken, however, thinks Dalrymple’s action sends a bad message to the rest of the country.
“It says we’re not very tolerant,” said Hawken. “We don’t respect other people’s opinions. And I guess ‘North Dakota Nice’ goes out the window.”
