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US court allows abortion clinics to stay open

Dunya News

A US court has temporary blocked a law against the closure of an abortion clinic.

US District Judge Daniel Jordan did not immediately say how long the restraining order would last.Jackson Womens Health Organization sought a renewal of the temporary stay while it goes forward with a lawsuit.State lawyers argue that the clinics doctors should have certification to admit patients to a local hospital.They argue the so-called admitting privileges requirement is designed for patient safety.But the clinic says it has been unable to obtain the certification for two doctors, and that the privileges give hospitals a veto over abortion.Clinic lawyers argue that the measure amounts to a block on womens access to a constitutionally protected medical procedure.If the Jackson clinic is closed, the closest abortion providers are about 200 miles (321 km) away, in several different states.Judge Jordan issued a temporary restraining order on 1 July, the day the measure was to take effect.In the hearing on Wednesday, he could have either: lifted the restraining order, letting the law take effect; continued the temporary ban; or ordered a more permanent injunction allowing both sides to prepare for a trial.In 1973, a Supreme Court ruling established the right to abortion in the US.The court upheld Roe v Wade almost 20 years but allowed states to regulate abortion procedures before foetuses are viable without placing undue burdens on women seeking abortions.