A federal judge has heard arguments from attorneys seeking and opposing an order that would temporarily block a new Mississippi law banning abortions after 15 weeks’ gestation. The measure is the most restrictive abortion law in the United States.
The judge has decided to temporarily block a new Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks, the most restrictive abortion law in the United States.
Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed a bill Monday, and it became law immediately. The state’s only abortion clinic quickly sued.
U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves heard arguments Tuesday on the clinic’s request for a temporary restraining order to block the law. Clinic attorney Rob McDuff said a woman scheduled for an abortion Tuesday is at least 15 weeks pregnant.
Special assistant attorney general Paul Barnes argued the state has an interest in protecting maternal health and “unborn life.”
U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves on Tuesday granted a temporary restraining order requested by the state’s only abortion clinic. Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed House Bill 1510 on Monday, and it became law immediately.
Dr. Sacheen Carr-Ellis of the Jackson Women’s Health Organization said in court papers filed Monday that a woman 15 weeks or more pregnant was scheduled for a Tuesday afternoon abortion.
The law and responding challenge set up a confrontation sought by abortion opponents, who are hoping federal courts will ultimately prohibit abortions before a fetus is viable. Current federal law does not.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.