Marshall in 2024: Alabama’s abortion law has been in force since Dobbs

On June 24, 2024, the second anniversary of Dobbs, 1819 News reported that Attorney General Steve Marshall marked the second year after Alabama was able to implement the Human Life Protection Act.

Gov. Kay Ivey signed that law on May 15, 2019. A federal injunction blocked it in October 2019 until Marshall’s office moved to dissolve the injunction the day the U.S. Supreme Court decided Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization — June 24, 2022. U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson then lifted the injunction, saying the legal basis for it “no longer exists.”

1819 News stated that Alabama law makes it a felony to perform an abortion and does not punish the mother. It also stated that Democratic attempts in following years to add rape and incest exemptions “never received any legitimate consideration in either chamber of the legislature.”

Marshall said: “Two years ago, the Supreme Court restored to the people the right to protect unborn life. Today we celebrate the countless lives saved, and we continue to work towards finding ways to support mothers. Life is winning in Alabama.”

Alabama Political Reporter, on October 3, 2024, likewise described the state as one where abortion is nearly completely banned after Dobbs, allowed only if the mother’s life is in serious danger, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Similar exception bills in 2023 and 2024 had been filed without becoming law.

This is not legal advice. If you are sitting with a pregnancy in Alabama and you have questions, a nurse will talk in chat, or write back if you send the form. Free and private. You decide what helps next.