Florida Judge Says He Will Block New Abortion Restriction

  • Judge said ban after 15 weeks violates Florida’s constitution
  • He cited bolstered privacy protections in state constitution
Roe Ruling Shifts Decision Making to the States: Harvard's Kamarck
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A judge said he will temporarily block Florida’s new ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy because it violates the right to privacy in the state constitution, a significant win for pro-choice advocates less than a week after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Leon County Circuit Court Judge John C. Cooper in Tallahassee said Thursday he would grant Planned Parenthood’s request for a statewide injunction against the new law, though not immediately. It’s unclear if the judge’s written order will come before Florida’s House Bill 5 takes effect on July 1.