Judge orders Texas to suspend new law banning most abortions

A federal judge ordered the state of Texas to suspend its controversial abortion ban.

U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman called the law an “offensive deprivation” of a constitutional right.

Pitman said Texas' lawmakers had “contrived an unprecedented and transparent statutory scheme” that leaves enforcement in the hands of private residents. They are entitled to collect $10,000 in damages if they bring successful lawsuits against abortion providers who violate the restrictions.

Read more from The Associated Press.