If you are a North Dakota resident and pregnant, the recent Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court can affect you.
Roe v. Wade was the 1973 decision that ruled abortion as a constitutionally protected right regardless of the laws of North Dakota and any other U.S. state. The U.S. Supreme Court has now reversed Roe v. Wade, declaring that no woman has a constitutional right to abortion.
Abortion is now banned at and after 22 weeks. If you are under the 22-week deadline, you will be forced to wait 24 hours after counseling to proceed with an abortion. Another restriction is that North Dakota bans the use of telehealth or mailing pills and requires in-person visit regarding abortion medication. Finally, parental consent or notice is required for a minor's abortion
What can I do?
So, what can you, as a pregnant woman with an unexpected, unwanted, or untimely pregnancy living in North Dakota do since abortion in your state may no longer an option for you?
Your options now may include:
(1) traveling to a state where an abortion may be possible;
(2) carrying the pregnancy and raising the child either yourself or with the birthfather, or letting the father raise the child;
(3) having a family member or friend raise the child;
(4) placing the child in the North Dakota foster care system; or
(5) consider placing the baby for adoption.
If you are thinking of placing your baby for adoption, our not-for-profit agency, Adoption Services (www.adoptionservices.org), has, since 1985, completed almost 900 successful placements of babies with loving families. Our Agency, or some other fully licensed adoption agency, can help you find the perfect adopting family for your baby.
You may find the following links to be helpful:
https://www.adoptionservices.org/unplanned-pregnancy/
https://www.adoptionservices.org/abortion-alternatives/
Please consider all your options and give me, Dr. Berger*, a call or click on the Contact Us button to send me an email. I will be glad to help you. There is never any cost or obligation on your part.
* I am a Ph.D. Psychologist, not an attorney. When it comes to the current law and legal issues, make sure to check with an attorney in North Dakota.