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Judge pauses Nevada law mandating parental notification for minors' abortions amid appeal

Federal Judge Anne Traum allowed for Planned Parenthood to take further legal action in the next week. The 1985 law was set to take effect April 30.
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The Lloyd D. George United States Courthouse.

A federal judge has temporarily stopped a long-dormant law in Nevada requiring parental notification for minors' abortions from going into effect next week.

In a Friday afternoon ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Anne Traum granted a request from Planned Parenthood — the plaintiff in the case — to pause the rollout of the law while it files a motion for a stay pending appeal in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The judge required Planned Parenthood to file the motion for a stay with the appeals court within seven days.

The law was passed in 1985, but it was never enforced because of a legal injunction based on Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court case guaranteeing the federal right to an abortion. When Roe was overturned in 2022, district attorneys from across the state sued for the law to take effect — and Traum ruled last month that it could go into effect April 30. 

Updated on 4/25/25 at 5:50 p.m. to correct that Planned Parenthood is the plaintiff, not the defendant.

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