Rep. Murphy outlines HB 1488 as a layered framework for abortion care; opponents call it an expansion

Representative Eric Murphy introduced House Bill 1488 to the House Human Services Committee as a multi-part framework to change North Dakota’s abortion law, saying the bill aims to ‘‘provide adequate obstetrics care for North Dakota women, including abortion.’’

Murphy told the committee HB 1488 contains three main components: elective abortion from conception through 15 weeks performed by a licensed physician in a licensed facility; medically necessary abortions from 16 through 26 weeks after approval by a three‑physician panel and done in a hospital by specifically credentialed physicians; and medically necessary procedures after 27 weeks also requiring a three‑physician panel and hospital care. He said reporting to the Department of Health and Human Services would be required for abortions after 16 weeks so the state can track numbers and reasons. "This bill is focused on providing adequate obstetrics care for North Dakota women, including abortion," Murphy said.

Why it matters

Murphy framed the bill as an attempt to reduce the risk that physicians face when deciding whether to provide emergent obstetric care under the state’s current contested statutes. He cited high‑profile cases from other states reported in national outlets as examples of delayed or withheld care he said the bill would help prevent. "When physicians aren't willing to cross the line, people die," Murphy said, describing cases where he…