Pro-abortion rights group files legal action over narrow medical exceptions to abortion bans in 3 states

Washington — A pro-abortion rights legal organization is taking legal action in three states on behalf of physicians and women who were denied or delayed access to abortion care despite facing pregnancy complications as part of efforts to clarify "medical emergency" exceptions to state abortion bans.

The lawsuits filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights in state courts challenge the narrow scope of laws in Idaho and Tennessee that allow for abortions to be performed in limited circumstances to protect the life or health of the mother. The third action, brought against the Oklahoma Children's Hospital and filed with the Department of Health and Human Services, alleges the facility violated federal law when it denied abortion care to a woman suffering a life-threatening complication during pregnancy.

The efforts are not aimed at overturning the abortion bans, but rather seek to amplify the experiences of pregnant women who faced severe risks to their health after they faced complications during pregnancy and were denied abortions, as well as those of physicians who said they are unable to provide care for fear of liability.