BREAKING: Judge approves temporary injunction on North Dakota abortion trigger law

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – A District court judge granted a temporary injunction against North Dakota’s trigger law that would have outlawed abortion in the state, effective Thursday, according to a release Wednesday from the Center for Reproductive Rights.

The release indicates that abortion services will continue at the Red River Women’s Clinic for the time being, while the case makes its way through the courts.

The clinic was set to suspend services starting tomorrow following the Supreme Court’s recent decision striking down Roe v. Wade.

However, Wednesday afternoon, a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order for the clinic.

Burleigh County District Judge Bruce Romanick said Attorney General Drew Wrigley “prematurely attempted to execute” the language of North Dakota’s trigger law. That’s because, according to Judge Romanick, the official certification of the Supreme Court’s decision wasn’t issued until July 26 and parties are allowed 25 days to ask for a rehearing following the official certification.

Shortly after news broke, the Red River Women’s Clinic posted on Facebook: “TRO GRANTED!”

But Attorney General Drew Wrigley says he’s undeterred. Following the decision, he said, “I will officially re-certify what has been clear from the day that the United States Supreme Court handed down its decision in Dobbs: Roe v. Wade has been reversed, and NDCC 12.1-31-12 shall be given its full effect, in accordance with its provisions. My certification will be delivered to the North Dakota Legislative Council before 6:00 pm today, July 27, 2022.”

Representatives from Red River Women’s Clinic announced in May they plan to move across the river to Moorhead if the trigger law goes into effect.

They’ve indicated there won’t be a break in operations, and if the trigger law does go into place, Planned Parenthood in Moorhead has said it can temporarily provide abortion services.

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