Judge blocks enforcement of 24-hour abortion law

Jefferson City, Mo., Jun 22, 2004 / 22:00 pm

A federal judge yesterday suspended the enforcement of a Missouri state law, which requires doctors to wait 24 hours to perform abortions after consulting with a woman who is seeking one about the physical and psychological risks involved, reported The Associated Press.

At the request of Planned Parenthood, U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright imposed the injunction, while allowing time for the organization to proceed with a separate state lawsuit that would seek to clarify parts of the new law.

Planned Parenthood has argued that the law is vague and leaves doctors uncertain about what actions could lead to arrest or imprisonment. It has until tomorrow to file the case.

This is the second time Wright has imposed an injunction. A federal appeals court had lifted the first injunction only weeks ago.

Campaign Life Missouri said it was disappointed but not surprised at the ruling. The pro-life organization told the AP that it is confident the law will ultimately be upheld.

Attorney General Jay Nixon, who was defending the law, plans to appeal the ruling.