The First Post-Roe Charges Against Providers Give Anti-Abortion Leaders Hope for More Federal Restrictions

Several constitutional issues could arise as states begin to pursue punishments for violations of abortion bans. The Supreme Court will likely have to weigh in.

SCOTUS Abortion

Jacquelyn Martin/AP

Nearly three years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the first criminal charges against providers for alleged violations of state abortion bans have been filed, setting the stage for new constitutional questions that the high court will likely have to answer.

For anti-abortion advocates, the hope is these cases will test the courts in a way that not only keeps the issue at the forefront, but pushes more legal challenges that could lead to further national restrictions on abortion.

“Let’s enforce and let’s have the biggest national debate around it,” Rep. Chris Smith, co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, told NOTUS.