AL Political Reporter: “A federal judge is set to rule on whether Alabama can prosecute healthcare providers and advocates who assist pregnant patients in seeking abortions outside the state. Since the 2022 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Alabama has enforced one of the nation’s strictest abortion bans, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Attorney General Steve Marshall has threatened to use the state’s criminal conspiracy law to target those who “aid and abet” abortions, including counseling and financial assistance for out-of-state procedures.
This stance has alarmed healthcare providers and advocacy groups like the Yellowhammer Fund and West Alabama Women’s Center (WAWC), which sued Marshall to prevent prosecution. These organizations argue that Marshall’s threats create a chilling effect, stifling their ability to provide necessary information and support to individuals seeking abortions in other states.”