In the state legislature of Utah, a Republican-sponsored a bill mandating the closure of all abortion clinics by the year 2024 and the restriction of abortion services to hospitals only.
According to The Salt Lake Tribune, House Bill 467, filed by Republican Rep. Karianne Lisonbee from Clearfield, will suspend granting licenses in May to abortion clinics and “prohibit the operation of all abortion clinics beginning in January 2024.”
The state’s nearly complete abortion prohibition is being challenged in court by pro-abortion activists, which is why Lisonbee submitted the law. Additionally, the law would make it illegal for anyone except Utah-licensed doctors to prescribe abortion drugs.
Rep. Lisonbee texted the Salt Lake Tribune, “This bill does not alter the ongoing court matter. While we eagerly await the court’s decision, we are putting forth these reforms because it is the duty of the state to defend the weakest, which includes the unborn. To make sure that our law achieves the optimal balance between safeguarding unborn children and safeguarding pregnant women who encounter uncommon and serious difficulties, we extensively collaborated with local medical professionals and hospitals.”
Having eight facilities throughout Utah, the CEO of the Utah Planned Parenthood Association, Karrie Galloway stated to FOX 13 News that Republicans are attempting to “turn back the clock.” She uttered:
“This law goes backward by restricting how, where, and when Utahns can receive necessary healthcare. As a result, abortion becomes prohibitively difficult to obtain and childbirth and pregnancy and become significantly riskier for Utah families. This serves as more evidence that some legislators will not relent until every area of reproductive health is micromanaged by those who are ignorant of or unconcerned with these sensitive and complicated medical matters. How many times do Utah’s elected officials need to demonstrate to the outside world that they are anti-abortion radicals who want to rule over our bodies, lives, and futures? And at what expense to the healthcare system and standing of our state?”
In Utah, there are two clinics that give surgical abortions and four that provide abortion pills, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGIstU5m5xU
