Federal judge blocks 18-week Arkansas abortion ban

A federal judge put a temporary halt to Arkansas' 18-week abortion ban.

District Judge Kristine Baker of the Eastern District of Arkansas specifically took issue with the 18-week ban. She said it's unconstitutional given that Roe v. Wade legalized abortion prior to viability, which happens at about 24 weeks.

"The court concludes that, at this stage of the proceedings and on the record evidence currently before the court, plaintiffs are likely to prevail on their argument that (the ban) unconstitutionally restricts pre-viability abortions and, therefore, is facially unconstitutional," Baker said.

The American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood in June sued Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge to stop the 18-week ban from going into effect.

Rutledge immediately filed an appeal after Baker's decision.

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