Alaska Court Hears Oral Arguments in Lawsuit to Expand Abortion Access

ANCHORAGE, AK — Today, a trial will begin in a state superior court in Alaska in a lawsuit to expand abortion access in the state by permanently blocking a physician-only law that prevents advanced practice clinicians (APCs) — such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives — to provide both medication and aspiration abortion, even though it is in the scope of their practice. This APC ban is the only law in Alaska that targets the type of care APCs can provide. 

Based on the barriers to access caused by the APC ban, Planned Parenthood asserts that the law violates people in Alaska’s fundamental right to abortion and the state constitution’s equal protection guarantee. Witnesses are expected to testify that the law delays access to abortion without any medical benefit and causes particular harm to people in Alaska living in rural areas and people experiencing intimate partner violence. 

The APC ban, blocked under a preliminary injunction since 2021, limits abortion access for people in Alaska and directly contradicts guidance from all leading medical organizations, which makes clear that APCs should be able to provide this medical procedure. These providers are a critical source of health care, especially in rural areas of the state where access may otherwise be limited, and they safely provide abortion in other states. 

“Every person in Alaska deserves the freedom to seek abortion from trusted health care providers in their own community,” said Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai’i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky (PPGNHAIK). “Allowing advanced practice clinicians to provide abortion will ensure that patients are able to better access the time-sensitive care they need. We are hopeful that this court will again rule in favor of reproductive freedom and permanently block this outdated and medically unnecessary restriction.” 

The lawsuit, brought on behalf of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai’i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky (PPGNHAIK), was initially filed in 2019. PPGNHAIK is represented by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, ACLU of Alaska, Legal Voice, and Stoel Rives LLP. 

###

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.

Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky (PPGNHAIK) is a leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate. The organization operates 35 health centers in Alaska, Hawai‘i, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, and Western Washington and provides medical services and sexuality education for thousands of people each year. Planned Parenthood is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and relies heavily on charitable donations to ensure our patients' ability to determine their own destinies and receive the health care they need.

The American Civil Liberties Union is our nation’s guardian of liberty. For nearly 100 years, the ACLU has been at the forefront of virtually every major battle for civil liberties and equal justice in this country. Principled and nonpartisan, the ACLU works in the courts, legislatures, and communities to preserve and expand the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States. The ACLU of Alaska, founded in 1971, is one of the 53 state ACLU affiliates that strive to make the Bill of Rights real for everyone and to uphold the promise of the Constitution—because freedom can’t protect itself.

Legal Voice is a progressive feminist organization using the power of the law to make positive change for women, girls, and LGBTQ people in the Northwest. Legal Voice uses ground-breaking litigation, legislative advocacy, and community education to fight gender oppression and injustice. More at legalvoice.org.