Planned Parenthood sues Utah to stop trigger law that makes abortion a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison

Utah's abortion ban went into effect on Friday after the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Wade.

The Utah law makes abortions with limited exceptions a second degree felony that can lead to up to fifteen years in prison.

The Utah ban, which allows exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and the life or health of the mother, is a violation of equal protection rights and the right to due process, according to the lawsuit. A restraining order is being sought to stop the law from being enforced while the case is being heard.

Those who are already struggling to pull their children out of poverty, escape an abusive partner, or overcome addiction are some of the Utahns who will be harmed by the extreme abortion ban.

The lawsuit said that the three abortion clinics in the state have had to cancel more than 50 appointments because of the law.

The US Supreme Court eliminated a federal constitutional right yesterday. In one terrible moment, Utahns' power to control their own bodies, lives, and personal medical decisions was taken away. The decision yesterday was devastating, but that won't stop us from fighting for the rights of our patients and providers. Not now, never.

Utah's abortion ban was passed as a "trigger law" in 2020 that will only take effect if the Supreme Court overturns the Wade decision. The Supreme Court's ruling made abortions illegal in the state.

If you seek or perform an illegal abortion in Utah, you could be fined $10,000 and sentenced to between one and fifteen years in prison.

The Utah Attorney General said in a statement to the Salt Lake Tribune on Friday that the Supreme Court's decision is clear and he is prepared to face legal challenges over the state law. He did not reply to the request for comment.

The question of abortion has been brought back to the states. The Utah legislature has responded to that question. The state law will be defended by my office.

The head of Utah's Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, as well as the governor, were listed as defendants in the suit. Cox didn't reply to the request for comment.

The lawsuit said that the Criminal Abortion Ban would be catastrophic for Utahns. Some Utahns will be forced to carry pregnancies to term against their will if the Act is passed.