Credit Planned Parenthood Great Plains
A federal judge has blocked four laws restricting access to abortion in Arkansas just hours after they took effect.
U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker on Tuesday granted the request from abortion rights groups, issuing a two-week restraining order against the laws. Baker had previously put a halt to the laws in 2017, though a federal appeals court later vacated that ruling.
In a statement, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas said clinics were forced to cancel appointments and only provide medication abortion while the laws were temporarily in effect.
“Today, we got a preview of what would happen if these laws took effect permanently. It caused uncertainty about whether Arkansans can have access to abortion care and forced patients to be turned away, which is absolutely unacceptable,” said Jenny Ma, senior staff attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights.