USA: Mississippi’s last abortion clinic shuts down

The Pink House Fund, which collects donations for the clinic, said on Twitter that the Jackson Women’s Health Organization halted operations on Wednesday. “Today is a tough day for all of us at the last abortion provider in Mississippi.” The Pink House Fund is “proud” of the work it accomplished, but in the end it just couldn’t stand it: “It’s our last day fighting against all odds – to be there when no other provider can.” The clinic in Jackson was also known as the Pink House because of the color of the building.

Litigation leads to the dissolution of Roe v. Wade

Not only was it the only clinic offering abortions in the southern state, it was also at the center of the legal battle that eventually led to the abolition of the nation’s basic right to abortion. The Jackson Women’s Health Organization had challenged a Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy in violation of a 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade. This enshrines a fundamental right to abortion until the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy.

On June 24, however, the US Supreme Court declared, by a conservative majority, that the law in Mississippi was constitutional — simultaneously overturning Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court’s decision is a historic turning point and has caused a political earthquake. Since there is no federal law on abortion, states can now largely or completely ban abortion. Many conservative-governed countries have decided to do so.

Long prison sentences for violations

Mississippi now has a much stricter law than the 15-week law. It bans all abortions with a few exceptions and stipulates prison terms of up to ten years for violations. An abortion clinic in Jackson attempted to block the law by a court, but failed on Tuesday and is now forced to close.

Statewide closures

Abortion clinics in other states have had to close recently. Women who live there and wish to have an abortion must travel to countries where abortion is legal. Another option is the abortion pill, but conservative countries are cracking down on them as well. Experts also fear an increase in clandestine abortions, which are dangerous for women.