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>Partial Birth Abortion Bans: Introduction

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   Bans on Abortion

CRLP is involved in cases where states have tried to impose bans on women’s right to abortion services. "Partial-birth abortion" is an example of the extreme and deceptive tactics used by anti-abortion activists to abolish abortion altogether.

On June 28, 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Nebraska ban on so-called "partial-birth abortion," finding it an unconstitutional violation of Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that guaranteed women's right to choose abortion 27 years ago. The Court's decision in Stenberg v. Carhart exposed these bans for what they are: extreme and deceptive attempts to outlaw abortion --even early in pregnancy -- that jeopardize women's health. The Court's decision has the domino effect of rendering similar bans passed in over 30 states and Congress unconstitutional or unenforceable.

Related cases:

Factsheets:

Court Filings:

  • Stenberg v. Carhart, 192 F 3d 1142 (8th Cir. 1999), 120 S.Ct.2597(2000) (U.S. Supreme Court)

    • 6/28/00 - THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT DECISION: Nebraska Abortion Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
    • 3/29/00 - CRLP's brief to the U.S. Supreme Court arguing the merits of the case
    • 3/29/00 - "Friend of the Court" briefs in support of CRLP's petition.

      Submitted by the United States Solicitor General Submitted by members of the United States Congress Submitted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Women's Association, National Abortion Federation, Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health, and the American Nurses Association.
      • View Document*
        *please note: this is a large file that may take some time to download
      Submitted by 75 organizations committed to women's equality Submitted by the American Civil Liberties Union Submitted by the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice Submitted by the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) Submitted by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America Submitted by the State of New York, joined by the States of Maine, Oregon and Vermont
    • 2/28/00 - Nebraska's brief to the U.S. Supreme Court
    • 2/28/00 - Members of Congress' Amicus Brief in support of Nebraska
    • 12/15/99 - CRLP's Petition in Opposition to Nebraska's Request for Supreme Court Review of the State's "Partial-Birth Abortion" Ban
    • 11/15/99 - Nebraska's Petition to the U.S. Supreme Court Requesting Review of the Nebraska "Partial-Birth Abortion" Ban Following the Decision by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals that Struck Down the Ban.
    • 9/24/99 - Decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Striking Down Nebraska's "Partial-Birth Abortion" ban.
    • 6/9/97 - Nebraska Bill Banning So-Called "Partial-Birth Abortion." Overturned by the Eighth Circuit Court; to be Reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Wisconsin "Partial-Birth" Abortion

  • Christensen v. Doyle, No. 99-2528, 199 WL 753919 (7th Cir. October 26, 1999) stay granted, No. 99A428 (Stevens, Circuit Justice Nov. 30, 1999)

    • 11/18/99 - CRLP's Petition to U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens and Circuit Justice for the Seventh Circuit for a Stay of the Seventh Circuit's Decision Pending U.S. Supreme Court Review.

    • 11/8/99 - CRLP Motion to U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to Stay Decision in Wisconsin Case Pending U.S. Supreme Court Review.
    • 10/26/99 - Decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit Upholding the "Partial Birth Abortion" Bans of Illinois and Wisconsin.
    • 8/5/99 - CRLP Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit of a Federal Court Decision Finding Wisconsin "Partial Birth Abortion" Ban Constitutional.







































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