State Courts Step In After Supreme Court Ruling
After the Supreme Court flipped the script on abortion—overturning Roe v. Wade—battles have shifted from the federal front to state courts, with judges putting a pause on bans and clinics scrambling for relief.
Louisiana’s Tide Turns
In Louisiana, where the abortion ban had stalled since last Friday, Judge Robin Giarrusso issued a temporary restraining order on Monday that forces the state to halt its hard‑baked restriction. The change came just weeks after Hope Medical Group for Women in Shreveport sued, arguing the trigger law “lacks constitutionally required safeguards …” and could be wielded arbitrarily.
Utah’s Swift Move
Across the desert, Judge Andrew Stone quickly granted a TRO for Planned Parenthood, allowing abortion services to resume after the Friday ban took effect. Karrie Galloway, Utah Planned Parenthood’s president and CEO, welcomed the decision as a “win” but warned it’s just the first step in what will surely be a long and difficult fight.
The Legal Landscape
- States with trigger laws: Louisiana, Utah, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Texas, plus seven more.
- Supreme Court’s decision: the overnight legal pivot.
- State attorneys: Louisiana’s Jeff Landry says his office is “fully prepared” to defend the laws; Utah’s Sean Reyes remains silent.
What Happens Next?
While state courts bring the debate back into their chambers, the struggle isn’t over. Victims, advocates, and clinics are ready—armed with lawsuits, temporary orders, and determination—to face whatever legal twist comes next in this unfolding saga.
<img alt="" data-caption="Pro-choice stickers adorn staff desks at a medical abortion clinic in Texas, US, on Oct 1, 2021.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”6a19a8a4-6998-4af0-b20c-21d02cf007a9″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/BHJIUG6CXRKHZAJSXZMSABWWLE_0.jpg”/>
State Bouts Over Abortion Laws Escalate as Supreme Court Blocks Them
Yesterday’s decision from the conservative‑dominated Supreme Court sent shockwaves across the U.S., and states have been scrambling to find legal ways to keep their abortion bans in force.
Texas: The Short‑Term “Stand‑by” Ban
In Texas, a rule that criminalizes abortion after six weeks was kicking in last year. Now, a Harris County judge will open the floor to arguments Tuesday on whether the state can still enforce the old pre‑Roe laws while the new Supreme Court ruling lags behind.
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that the 2021 trigger ban would pause for 30 days. But prosecutors are told they can start new cases under the 1973 foundations right away.
Idaho: Planned Parenthood’s Fight for the Right to Remain Silent
Planned Parenthood’s Idaho arm asked the state’s highest court to halt a “trigger” law that was set to take effect on August 19. They want to keep the ban from firing until the court can take a look.
Other States Joining the Legal Rumble
- Kentucky – Abortion providers are pressing the courts to stop the trigger ban. Ag Daniel Cameron: “There is no right to abortion in the Commonwealth’s Constitution.”
- Mississippi – Similar lawsuits challenge the state’s trigger restrictions.
- Ohio – Pro‑abortion teams are gearing up to fight the new six‑week ban that went live on Friday.
- Florida – A group of providers filed a challenge on Monday against the 15‑week ban.
- South Carolina – The state’s heartbeat‑based ban has finally been allowed to kick in after a federal judge lifted the injunction.
What’s the Bottom Line?
In short, the Supreme Court’s ruling has opened a floodgate of lawsuits. Every state that wanted to keep its strict abortion bans is now on a legal tightrope, hoping to prove that the state can enforce its laws without the protective shield of Roe v. Wade.
Time will tell whether these fights lose or win, but right now, the back‑and‑forth of courts is more exciting than a cliff‑hanger episode.
