Tightest abortion law in US on hold for several more months

Emily Wagster Pettus/The Associated Press

April 13, 2018 10:00:44 AM

JACKSON -- The most restrictive abortion law in the United States will remain on hold for at least several more months.

The Mississippi law bans abortion after 15 weeks. It took effect when Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed it March 19, but the state's only abortion clinic immediately sued and U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves put it on hold the next day.

On Wednesday, Reeves extended his temporary restraining order until at least Oct. 24.

He also set a Sept. 24 hearing on the clinic's request to keep the law on hold even longer.

The clinic, Jackson Women's Health Organization, expanded its lawsuit this week to challenge several longstanding Mississippi abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period. Reeves says he'll consider those issues separately from the challenge of the 15-week ban.

printer friendly version | back to top

Most Viewed News Stories

1. County 'blindsides' city with increased tax collection fee COLUMBUS & LOWNDES COUNTY

2. CHS championship basketball coach leaves after one year COLUMBUS & LOWNDES COUNTY

3. Columbus man arrested for allegedly molesting child COLUMBUS & LOWNDES COUNTY

4. Two injured when car crashes into Subway COLUMBUS & LOWNDES COUNTY

5. Woman arrested after allegedly attacking husband for third time this year COLUMBUS & LOWNDES COUNTY