We're excited to bring you U.S. Repro Matters, your go-to source for the latest updates on reproductive health and rights in the U.S. This week, the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down two bans, a South Carolina state court blocked another six-week ban and other top news on U.S. reproductive rights.
In its May 31 decision, the court ruled that the two citizen-enforced bans prevented access to care in life-threatening situations and were thus unconstitutional. The ruling in the case—brought by the Center for Reproductive Rights and its partners—reaffirmed the court’s decision in March recognizing the right to abortion in such circumstances.
A recent study of Oklahoma hospitals by the Center and its partners found that not a single hospital contacted could articulate clear policies for emergency abortion care.
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit by the Center and partners arguing that the ban was unconstitutional under the South Carolina constitution, violating its guarantees to privacy, equal protection and due process.
In Nebraska, a lawsuit was filed to block a new law that bans abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy and prohibits gender-affirming care for young people.
The abortion ban, which took effect immediately, was shoehorned into the gender-affirming care bill as an amendment after a separate bill to ban abortion at about six weeks failed to overcome a filibuster.
The lawsuit argues that the law violates a state constitutional requirement that legislative bills stick to a single subject.
Under the new law, people under 19 will be prevented from receiving gender-confirming surgery and the use of hormone treatments and puberty blockers will be restricted in minors. The ban on gender-affirming care takes effect Oct. 1.
 
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In international news, the Argentinian government said last week that it will no longer require a prescription to obtain emergency contraception, broadening reproductive rights in the traditionally conservative country.Â
Emergency contraception is available without a prescription in at least 70 countries, including the United States. Most Latin American countries allow emergency contraceptives, but some require prescriptions or have a minimum age requirement.
"Oklahoma lawmakers have passed four abortion bans in the last two years with extremely narrow exceptions. Their lack of concern and empathy for pregnant Oklahomans is frightening. The Oklahoma Supreme Court reiterated that the state constitution protects the right to abortion in life-threatening situations. It’s time Oklahoma lawmakers stop violating their own constitution and putting lives at risk."
– Nancy Northup, President & CEO at the Center for Reproductive Rights
