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A judge in Alaska struck down a law restricting abortion procedures to be only conducted by licensed physicians.

Let’s bring you up to speed: Back in 2019, Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit challenging an Alaska law that limited abortion procedures to licensed physicians. They argued that this restriction reduced access to abortion services, especially in rural areas where the shortage of doctors caused delays in care. Planned Parenthood claimed that advanced practice clinicians (APCs), like nurse practitioners and physician assistants, were fully capable of performing abortions safely.

What’s the deal: Superior Court Judge Josie Garton ruled to strike down an Alaska state law that prohibited anyone other than licensed physicians from performing abortions. Garton added, “When Advanced practice clinicians are barred from providing abortion, there are fewer available providers, fewer appointments, and potential for greater delay. Given the time-sensitivity of accessing abortion care and the way the service is delivered state-wide through three health centers many patients must travel significant distances to reach a health center.”

Digging Deeper: For decades, Alaska has faced a significant shortage of doctors, particularly in its rural communities, where access to healthcare is often severely limited. Many remote areas of the state are only accessible by plane or boat, and hospitals can be hundreds of miles away, making it challenging for residents to receive timely medical care.