Judge Puts Parts Of Abortion Laws On Hold

A Kansas judge has temporarily blocked parts of a sweeping state anti-abortion law set to take effect next week.

Shawnee County District Judge Rebecca Crotty issued her ruling Friday. She blocked a provision that would change the definition of what constitutes a medical emergency. She also blocked a requirement that abortion providers post a statement on their websites saying the state’s materials on abortion are accurate.

Two doctors contended the law would narrow the definition of medical emergency so much that a woman could never avoid restrictions, such as a 24-hour waiting period, even if her life were in imminent danger. Abortion opponents say that’s not the case.

The judge allowed other parts of the law to effect Monday as scheduled. That includes a ban on sex-selection abortions.