Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain’s confusing comments on the abortion issue, together with a federal judge’s ruling on a North Carolina pro-life law, have put abortion back in the national spotlight during a presidential campaign dominated by economics, as abortion issue activists on either side have gone on offense this week.

U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles, President Obama’s appointee, ordered a preliminary injunction against a North Carolina law that requires women to see an ultrasound at least four hours before having an abortion, complete with a description of the images. Eagles wrote that the law likely violates the First Amendment, which “generally includes the right to refuse to engage in speech compelled by the government.” Eagles permitted other aspects of the law to stand, including a state “choose life” license plate that will fund crisis pregnancy centers offering abortion alternatives.