As we know, the state of Alabama enacted a ban on all abortion on May 15, 2019, making it a crime to receive and perform abortions. The “Human Life Protection Act” made all abortion illegal, preforming an illegal abortion could be punishable by 20-99 years in prison. The law made no exceptions for instances of rape or incest. But recently, the law is being temporarily blocked by a federal judge.

 According to Al, the law has been blocked from going into effect on Nov.15. District Judge Myron Thompson issued a ruling blocking the law from taking effect while a challenge to the law makes its way through court. CNN states that Judge Thompson believes that the law violates the right of individuals’ privacy and to make their own choice. 

Abortion laws in Alabama date back to the 1800s when the state put a law on abortion to protect women’s health because of the number of deaths related to the practice. In an article from AP NEWS, it states that the only exceptions to abortion in Alabama would be when there is a serious health risk to the mother or the fetus. There have been many opinions on abortion and much debate on the topic. People have been fighting for their rights to abortion for many years. In 1973, abortion was legalized in the case of Roe v. Wade. Now that the law is being temporarily blocked, people are taking the opportunity to tell the court how they feel.

On May 19, 2019, thousands of people gathered in Birmingham to protest against the state’s new law. Many went to show their feelings about the laws and to support other women. People have also come out and told their own personal experiences and stories. Many people disliked that the law was making a decision for them that they should make themselves. They believe it is their body so it is their choice as well.

According to The New York Times, it states that federal judges in six other states have blocked abortion laws that would ban abortion after a fetus has a heartbeat and judges in two other states have temporarily blocked laws that would ban abortions after 18 weeks. Many judges in other states believe different things about the topic of abortion. Due to the states repeated attempts to ban abortion has cost taxpayers nearly $2.5 million dollars by enacting unconstitutional laws restricting abortion. 

According to CBS NEWS, Planned Parenthood praises the judges ruling, stating “We said it from the start: this ban is blatantly unconstitutional and we will fight it every step of the way.” Planned Parenthood has been fighting for rights to abortion and will not stop until it is legal. Many abortion providers sued to block the law from taking effect. Planned Parenthood was one of the groups that sued to block the law. 

 Anti-abortion supporters hope the Supreme Court will overturn the laws. Many people are fighting for their rights to abortion and speaking out about their experiences. Alabama abortion laws have been a controversial topic and the laws have been a debate since the 1800s. The temporary block on the law will remain until Thompson decides the full case.