JACKSON, Miss. - Federal District Court judge Daniel Jordan issues temporary restraining order on a new abortion law passed this Sunday by the Mississippi State legislation. The law comes as an effort to shut down the state's single abortion clinic, Jacksons Women's Health Organization.
The state abortion law, which was signed by Republican Governor Phil Bryant, stipulates that only authorized obstetricians and gynecologists with privileges to admit patients to local hospitals can perform abortions.While all the obstetricians and gynecologists at the clinic are certified according to the Associated Press, many do not possess privileges.
The New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights on behalf of the Jacksons Women Health Organization filed suit against the State Health Department citing that the primary purpose of the law was to put the state's lone abortion clinic out of business.
Judge Jordan says that because the law was founded for purely political reasons without any medical or health justification, the law had to be frozen.
Judge Jordan told Reuters, "Though the debate over abortion continues, there exists legal precedent the court must follow...In this case, plaintiffs have offered evidence - including quotes from significant legislative and executive officers - that the act's purpose is to eliminate abortions in Mississippi...They likewise submitted evidence that no safety or health concerns motivated its passage. This evidence has not yet been rebutted."
Mick Bullock, state spokesman told Reuters, ""The federal judge's decision is disappointing, and Governor Bryant plans to work with state leaders to ensure this legislation properly takes effect as soon as possible."
The hearing is scheduled for July 11; if the decision is overturned then Mississippi will be the only state in the nation that does not have an abortion clinic.
