State efforts to restrict abortion across the country have been blocked by Federal courts….
A federal judge Tuesday maintained a block on three Arkansas abortion laws that would have restricted access to the procedure.
The new preliminary injunction against the laws supplements a court issued 14-day temporary restraining order implemented last month that was set to expire Tuesday.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood, among others, filed the suit in June against state laws that would ban abortions after 18 weeks of pregnancy, only allow certified obstetrician-gynecologists to perform the procedure and that outlaw abortion targeting fetuses believed to have down syndrome, saying the restrictions violates the 14th Amendment’s due process clause.
“These extreme bans and restrictions would have decimated abortion access in Arkansas, so we’re relieved the court has again blocked them from taking effect,” said Holly Dickson, legal director and interim executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas.
“This ruling ensures our clients can continue to provide quality, compassionate medical care to Arkansans while we work to strike down these laws for good.” ….