Federal judge blocks Indiana abortion ultrasound mandate

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Rick Callahan, Associated Press Updated 2:58 pm, Monday, April 3, 2017


INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge has blocked an Indiana mandate forcing women to undergo an ultrasound at least 18 hours before having an abortion, ruling that the requirement is likely unconstitutional and creates "clearly undue" burdens on women, particularly low-income women.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt's ruling, issued late Friday, grants a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking the ultrasound waiting period. Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky and the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana had sued the state last July, contending the mandate was unconstitutional and would prevent some women from getting abortions.

Pratt's ruling said the waiting period "creates significant financial and other burdens" on Planned Parenthood and its patients, particularly low-income women who face lengthy travel to one of only six Planned Parenthood health centers that can offer an informed-consent ultrasound appointment.

The judge, who heard arguments in the case in November, found that Indiana had presented "no compelling evidence" to support its contention that the mandate would further its stated interest of convincing women not to have an abortion.



Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Federal-judge-blocks-Indiana-abortion-ultrasound-11046140.php

[50 Shades Of Blue]

1. K & R

[Ligyron]

2. K and R

They never give up do they?

[crosinski]

3. No, so we can't either. Sigh.

[Angry Dragon]

4. I find it very interesting that repubs do not think that women have the right to their own bodies

The Supreme Court has ruled that an abortion is a federally protected right
the hole bunch is just a bushel basket of assholes

[Lonestarblue]

5. Republicans truly hate women.

I'm certainly happy that a judge at least temporarily blocked this procedure. I'm not sure about Indiana's current law, but a few years ago they kept trying to include a requirement for transvaginal ultrasounds prior to any abortion, even in cases where women were only taking a pill. From what I've read, many women find this procedure to be extremely painful, with some even describing the pain as similar to labor pains. Some still have pain weeks after the procedure. For women who have been raped, it's like being raped all over again. These laws are deliberately trying to cause pain and prevent women from exercising their legal right to choose an abortion. Women who vote for Republicans vote to deliberately cause physical pain and mental anguish for other women--I hope they're happy with their fake Christianity and false compassion for a bunch of cells but no compassion for real women or the children who are born into horrifying circumstances.

[J_William_Ryan]

6. That there is a right to privacy is settled, accepted, and beyond dispute.

The states seeking to place an undue burden to exercising the right to privacy violates that right is likewise settled, accepted, and beyond dispute.

This Indiana measure is further evidence that most on the right have nothing but contempt for the Constitution, its case law, and the rule of law.

[kyburbonkid]

7. Absolutely!

Basically the judge found "no compelling evidence" to support their rethug contention that the mandate would further its interest of convincing women not to have an abortion. In other words, it's just a bullshit intrusion of privacy in to a women's RIGHT TO CHOOSE! God damn republicans, give people their liberty to choose their own destiny.

[riversedge]

8. "Then-Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, who is now vice president, signed the legislation into law in March 2

Then-Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, who is now vice president, signed the legislation into law in March 2016.