Abortions in Alaska can only be performed by doctors. Is that about to change?

“Only doctors can perform abortions in Alaska, according to a 50-year-old law. That means advanced practice clinicians, such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives can’t perform abortions in the state, even when they have the proper training. And non-physicians aren’t allowed to prescribe pills to induce abortion, either.

Planned Parenthood’s Alaska chapter argues that this restriction limits access to abortion. So, the chapter filed a lawsuit against the state in 2018 to challenge the law. 

Superior Court Judge Josie Garton heard arguments in the case the week of Nov. 13 in an Anchorage courtroom….”