South Dakota Abortion Counseling Law Suit Ends in Eighth Circuit

Litigation over a South Dakota law requiring people seeking abortions to consult with anti-abortion counselors before having the procedure has ended after a federal appeals court dismissed the case and vacated an injunction that had blocked its enforcement.

The US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit removed two appeals from its calendar, one filed by the state and one filed by crisis counselors Alpha Center and Black Hills Pregnancy Centers. They had been set for oral argument on Oct. 18.

Chief Judge Lavenski R. Smith and Judges Duane Benton and Bobby E. Shepherd issued judgments dismissing the appeals Thursday. ...