Texas Abortion Law Blocked
New restrictions on abortion, set to take effect Tuesday in Texas have been blocked by a Federal Judge.
FOX News Radio’s Eben Brown reports:
That Federal Judge in Texas says the state’s sweeping new law that could shutter a third of the abortion clinics in the state and prohibit abortion procedures following the 20th week of pregnancy will not come into effect this week as originally planned by the State Legislature. The controversial law was the subject of an eleven-hour filibuster in the Texas State Senate by now Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Wendy Davis. The Judge’s ruling follows a three-day trial in a Federal lawsuit filed by Planned Parenthood.
Eben Brown, FOX News Radio.
Editor’s Note: Texas officials have already appealed the ruling.
Read a statement below from Planned Parenthood:
“Today’s ruling marks an important victory for Texas women and sends a clear message to lawmakers: it is unconstitutional for politicians to pass laws that take personal, private decisions away from women and their doctors. While this ruling protects access to safe and legal abortion for women in many parts of the state, part of this ruling will make it impossible for many women to access medication abortion, which is safe and effective early in pregnancy,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. ”Planned Parenthood nurses and doctors are taking every step we can to ensure that women in Texas have access to the highest quality health care no matter where they live.”
Read a statement below from Lauren Bean, spokeswoman for the Texas Attorney General’s Office:
“The court upheld part of the law and enjoined part of the law. The State has already appealed the court’s ruling. We appreciate the trial court’s attention in this matter. As everyone – including the trial court judge – has acknowledged, this is a matter that will ultimately be resolved by the appellate courts or the U.S. Supreme Court.”
Click the links below to read more on the case: Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas Surgical Health Services et al v. Abbott et al (13-cv-00862)
