Federal Judge Blocks Rhode Island "Partial Birth" Abortion Ban

United States District Judge Ronald Lagueux has issued an order blocking enforcement of Rhode Island's partial birth abortion ban. The judge set a hearing for August 4th to determine whether or not the law, as written, is overly broad and thus unconstitutional. The lawsuit, brought by Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island and two doctors, contends that the law is so vaguely written that any doctor performing an abortion after the first trimester, using any procedure, could face felony indictments.

Media Resources: Reuters - July 10,1997

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