January 1, North Dakota Ban Backed by Court, Abortion Blocked

Wyatt’s Take

• North Dakota’s abortion ban is in effect again after a Supreme Court decision.
• The law had been on hold for over a year but now stands, with exceptions for rare cases.
• This move puts North Dakota with other strong pro-life states after Trump’s big win there.

North Dakota’s law blocking nearly all abortions is active again.

The state Supreme Court ruled that the law stands, overturning the lower court’s block when not enough justices sided against it.

The law was struck down last year for being unclear, but under state rules, four out of five justices must agree to toss out a law for good.

No clinics in North Dakota have performed abortions legally since 2022.

The justices who voted to keep the law all came from Republican picks according to the public record.

North Dakota now joins a list of 13 states that have abortion bans at all stages, all of which supported Trump by large margins in 2024.

“The Supreme Court has upheld this important pro-life legislation, enacted by the people’s Legislature. The Attorney General’s office has the solemn responsibility of defending the laws of North Dakota, and today those laws have been upheld.”

Republican North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said in a statement.

Former Governor Doug Burgum, who signed the law in 2023, now works as U.S. Secretary of the Interior. He had also been considered for a high position on Trump’s 2024 ticket.

Exceptions to the abortion law cover rape, incest, and medical need if found early in pregnancy.

Senator Janne Myrdal, a Republican and sponsor of the law, said she was

“thrilled and grateful that two justices that are highly respected saw the truth of the matter, that this is fully constitutional for the mother and for the unborn child.”

Supporters of the law say it protects life, while Students for Life of America celebrated by posting support online.

Abortion shouldn’t be a political issue. It’s a health care issue. Decisions about abortion shouldn’t be made by politicians but by pregnant people in consultation with their doctors – who should be able to treat their patients according to their best medical judgement. 2/3

— ACLU of North Dakota (@ACLUNorthDakota) November 21, 2025

The ACLU of North Dakota said the decision was

“deeply painful”

using words like “pregnant people” instead of

Wyatt Matters

Middle America places a high value on community, faith and local decision-making; this ruling will matter to voters and leaders who prioritize those principles.