A federal appeals court today struck down an Alabama state law prohibiting physicians from providing dilation and evacuation (D&E), a medically proven method for performing abortions.

As a voter in Alabama, it can be enough of a challenge to know when an upcoming election is and where and how to cast a ballot, but it can be even harder to know who is on the ballot, particularly when many local candidates do not have easy-to-find websites, regular public events, or are unopposed.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and ACLU of Alabama presented arguments today at the 11th Circuit in West Alabama Women’s Center v. Miller, a case focusing on an Alabama state law prohibiting the use of dilation and evacuation (D&E), a medically-proven practice for performing abortions.

Yesterday, the Alabama House voted to allow the use of nitrogen gas for executions and it now goes to the Governor for her review. This method, in theory, would asphyxiate inmates with the gas if lethal injection drugs were not available or if it was ruled unconstitutional for a particular prisoner.