Democrats in both chambers of the Alabama Legislature have filed challenges to the state’s effective abortion ban ahead of next month’s legislative session, bills that will likely face uphill battles against the Republican supermajority.
The proposals include everything from exempting victims of sexual assault from the ban to a constitutional amendment, sponsored by Sen. Vivian Figures, D-Mobile, that would create constitutional guarantees for Alabamians to “carry out one’s own reproductive decisions,” including on contraception, miscarriage care, fertility treatments, pregnancy and abortion.
Figures filed similar legislation last year. Messages seeking comment were left with Figures last week. A message seeking comment was left Thursday with Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will consider Figures’ measure.
Other proposals include a measure from House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, to create exceptions in the law for victims of sexual assault and a bill from Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, that would repeal a law last amended in 1951 that makes it unlawful for anyone to administer a drug or conduct a procedure “to induce an abortion, miscarriage or premature delivery,” or to assist in such procedures. It levies a fine of up to $1,000 and a sentence of up to 12 months in prison.