The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end constitutional protection for abortion has ignited a firestorm of litigation, according to an Associated Press report. Abortion bans have been temporarily blocked in Louisiana and Utah. In South Carolina, a federal court said the law restricting the procedure would take effect immediately while state courthouses decide the issue.
Much of the court activity centers around “trigger laws” adopted in 13 states that were designed to take effect swiftly upon the high court’s recent ruling. Additional lawsuits are expected to target old anti-abortion laws that are on the books in some states, including Wisconsin, but went unenforced under Roe. Newer abortion restrictions that were put on hold pending the Supreme Court ruling are also coming back into play.Â
Abortion rights advocates have filed lawsuits asking to block restrictive laws in states including Florida, Texas, Idaho, Kentucky, and Mississippi. Now that the high court has ruled that the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee the right to an abortion, abortion rights groups are seeking protection under state constitutions.
Wisconsin passed a law in 1849 banning abortions except to save the life of the mother. Attorney General Josh Kaul said he does not believe it is enforceable. Abortion opponents have called on lawmakers to impose a new ban.
