{"id":218751,"date":"2022-06-24T13:50:45","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T20:50:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/?p=218751"},"modified":"2022-06-24T18:22:20","modified_gmt":"2022-06-25T01:22:20","slug":"las-vegas-abortion-clinics-may-see-more-procedures-out-of-state-patients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/las-vegas-abortion-clinics-may-see-more-procedures-out-of-state-patients\/","title":{"rendered":"Las Vegas Abortion Clinics May See More Procedures, Out-of-State Patients"},"content":{"rendered":"

The US Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade could be followed by many states restricting abortions, or possibly banning them. But Nevada will continue to provide abortions to local residents and visitors from nearby states, including residents of Arizona, Idaho, Texas, and Utah, reports said.<\/p>\n

\"David
David Orentlicher, a UNLV law professor, pictured above. He says many pregnant women in neighboring states that ban abortion will come to Nevada for an abortion, following a new Supreme Court ruling. (Image: UNLV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains predicts the number of abortions to jump by about 80% in the region that includes Nevada. That works out to approximately 10,000 more patients in the Rocky Mountain region, which also includes Colorado and New Mexico, the Las Vegas Review-Journa<\/em>l reported.<\/p>\n

We can expect that many pregnant women in neighboring states that ban abortion will come to Nevada for an abortion,\u201d<\/strong> UNLV health law scholar David Orentlicher told Casino.org<\/em>. Orentlicher is director of the UNLV Health Law Program and teaches at the William Boyd School of Law. He also is a Democrat in the Nevada Assembly.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Two Planned Parenthood clinics in Southern Nevada will add health staff and expand hours to meet the increased need, the Review-Journal<\/em> report adds.<\/p>\n

“Planned Parenthood will proudly continue to care for our patients in Nevada and all those who come to us for care,\u201d <\/strong>Whitney Phillips, a Planned Parenthood spokesperson, told Casino.org<\/em> following today\u2019s court ruling.<\/p>\n

Additionally, Stephanie Bethel, a spokesperson for the Southern Nevada Health District, told Casino.org<\/em> that the health district \u201cwill continue to provide family planning services to clients at our clinics. Our services are not impacted,\u201d she said about the court ruling.<\/p>\n

In 2019, Nevada saw some 8,414 abortions within state borders, according to public data.<\/p>\n

Nevada Abortion Rights<\/h2>\n

Nevada includes the right to an abortion in its state law. The law allows abortions at least in the first six months of pregnancy.<\/p>\n

We have a right to abortion through 24 weeks of pregnancy and after 24 weeks to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient,\u201d <\/strong>Orentlicher explained.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Current Nevada law on abortion was approved by voter referendum. That means another voter referendum is required to change it, Orentlicher added.<\/p>\n

Dobbs Ruling<\/h2>\n

On the national level, the US Supreme Court in a narrow decision overruled two landmark abortion decisions with the new ruling. These are Roe vs. Wade and Planned Parenthood vs. Casey.<\/p>\n

There is no constitutional right to abortion, giving states and Congress very broad latitude to regulate abortion services or to prohibit most abortions,\u201d <\/strong>Orentlicher said about the new Mississippi decision: Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Three liberal members of the court opposed the majority opinion. In his opinion, Chief Justice John Roberts wanted to weaken the Roe and Casey decisions. But he preserved the right to an abortion. It replaced \u201cviability\u201d of the life, \u201cwith a standard based on ensuring that the pregnant patient has an adequate opportunity to exercise the right to choose an abortion,” Orentlicher explained<\/p>\n

In his view, Mississippi’s ban after 15 weeks would allow sufficient time to decide, Orentlicher said.<\/p>\n

Political Debate<\/h2>\n

Today, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak<\/a> (D) tweeted his support for reproduction rights in the state.<\/p>\n

\n

Today might feel scary, but I hope you remember our fight isn't over.
From day one, I\u2019ve pledged to defend a woman\u2019s right to choose, & that won\u2019t change today, tomorrow, or in the future.<\/p>\n

As long as I\u2019m your Governor, the right to an abortion will remain safe in Nevada.<\/p>\n

— Steve Sisolak (@SteveSisolak) June 24, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n