Update Thursday Afternoon: Indiana Governor Mike Pence's office says he is disappointed with the decision. Spokeswoman Kara Brooks said the governor "remains steadfast in his support for the unborn, especially those with disabilities."
Original Story:
A federal judge has blocked a new Indiana law that bans abortions sought because of a fetus' genetic abnormalities.
U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt released a ruling Thursday that grants the preliminary injunction sought by Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky.
The law was to set to take effect tomorrow (Friday).
Indiana and North Dakota are the only states with laws banning abortions that are sought due to fetal genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, or because of the race, sex or ancestry of a fetus. It also requires that aborted fetuses be buried or cremated.
Indiana state Senate President David Long says he finds one part of the ruling that blocked a law banning abortions sought because of a fetus' genetic abnormality "deeply troubling."
Indiana and North Dakota are the only states with laws banning abortions that are sought due to fetal genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, or because of the race, sex or ancestry of a fetus.
It also requires that aborted fetuses be buried or cremated. Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana sued the state in April, saying the law is unconstitutional and violates women's privacy rights. Pratt heard arguments June 14.
Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin and Indiana Governor Mike Pence did not immediately comment.
