A Florida judge temporarily blocked a recent law that banned abortion after 15 weeks of gestation just days after it took effect, prompting an immediate appeal from the state.
Judge John C. Cooper of Florida’s 2nd Circuit Court issued the order on Tuesday following a court challenge from reproductive healthcare providers who argue the state constitution shields the right to an abortion procedure.
Cooper’s decision initially meant that abortion goes back to being legal until the 24th week of pregnancy, though the state’s immediate appeal means that, as of now, the 15-week ban is still in effect.
JUDGE BLOCKS FLORIDA’S 15-WEEK ABORTION LAW
Last week, Cooper said he would issue the injunction just days after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to create laws severely limiting or restricting abortion procedures. The state’s law had already gone into effect on Friday before being blocked.
Florida’s law makes an exception if the procedure is necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman, prevent serious injuries, or if the fetus has an abnormality that may be considered fatal. However, it does not have exemptions for pregnancies resulting from incest, rape, or human trafficking.
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Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed the bill into law in April after it passed the state legislature.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
