In a victory for abortion rights advocates, a judge in Oklahoma has blocked enforcement of a new state law that requires women seeking abortions to have an ultrasound and hear a description of the fetus. Oklahoma County District Judge Noma Gurich issued an injunction that prevents the law from being enforced, and is expected to remain in effect until at least the hearing on January 21st, 2011. A temporary restraining order against the law had been in effect since May.
The lawsuit was filed last May by the New York advocacy group the Center for Reproductive Rights, claiming the law is unconstitutional. A similar bill was vetoed last month by Florida Governor Charlie Crist. Crist said that “personal views should not result in laws that unwisely expand the role of government and coerce people to obtain medical tests or procedures that are not medically necessary. In this case, such action would violate a woman’s right to privacy.”
Last spring, Oklahoma legislators passed eight laws to restrict abortions. Gov. Brad Henry signed four and vetoed four – but the legislature overrode three. The remaining veto that stood would have restricted insurance companies from providing coverage for elective abortions.
Sources:
http://jurist.org/paperchase/2010/07/oklahoma-court-blocks-requiring-pre-abortion-ultrasounds.php
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7018593040