North Dakota to pay $245,000 to abortion clinic lawyers

According to an Associated Press newsbreak, the state of North Dakota has agreed to pay $245,000 to lawyers representing the last surviving abortion facility in the state.

In 2013, North Dakota passed a law banning abortions after fetal heartbeat, but the ban was struck down by the U.S, Supreme Court earlier this year. The Supreme Court ruled that the law was “unconstitutional,” infringing on a woman’s right to choose. But supporters of the bill argued that it was “a legitimate attempt by a state Legislature to discover the boundaries of Roe v. Wade.”  Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, lawyers for the Red River Women’s Clinic in Fargo sued the state for litigation costs.

On Tuesday, the state agreed to pay litigation costs in the amount of $245,000, although the agreement is still pending approval by a federal judge.

The ruling was a setback for pro-life legislation in North Dakota, but the state has a record of protecting life, and pro-life Governor Jack Dalrymple and Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem have shown no signs of backing down.