Alabama health care providers sue over threat of prosecution for abortion help

By KIM CHANDLER
Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Health care providers in Alabama have filed lawsuits against state Attorney General Steve Marshall over threats to prosecute people who help women arrange abortions outside the state. The lawsuits seek a court declaration and injunction clarifying that the state’s criminal statute can’t be used to prosecute people who help women leave the state to obtain abortions. The American Civil Liberties Union is representing the providers in the lawsuit. An attorney says the threats are an attempt to “effectively extend Alabama’s abortion ban outside of its borders.” Marshall’s office said in response to the lawsuit that Marshall will enforce Alabama laws, including against abortion providers looking to violate the Human Life Protection Act.