On March 26, 2013, Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) signed legislation that would ban abortion when a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can take place as early as six weeks of gestation. Under Supreme Court precedent, states may not pose an “undue burden” on women seeking abortions pre-fetal viability, typically between 22 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. North Dakota’s law is seen as a test case meant to challenge this precedent. The governor also signed a law that would ban abortion in cases of fetal defect, such as Down syndrome.
Dale Wetzel/AP/File
