A South Carolina federal judge on Thursday issued the latest in a series of actions that prevent the state’s ban on abortion from taking effect.
The South Carolina Fetal Heartbeat and Abortion Protection Act has been challenged in court since February, when the law was signed by Governor Henry McMaster. Friday’s injunction comes after the district court granted and extended a temporary restraining order requested by Planned Parenthood South Atlantic.
In her decision on Friday, U.S. District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis said the abortion provider “established a substantial likelihood of success” in arguing that the law was unconstitutional.
Lewis criticized the defense of the state, saying: “It is nothing short of disconcerting when the Defendants here make the fanciful, baseless and mistaken argument that the Law is constitutional, although certainly, all the while knowing very well that it is not.”
SC GOVERNOR SIGNS ABORTION PROHIBITION; PLANNED MATRIX SUES
South Carolina’s was just one of many controversial laws that try to restrict abortion when a heartbeat is detected.
Other states have faced legal challenges in their bills with the Supreme Court refusing to hear cases where the legislation has been blocked by lower courts.
Last week, McMaster defended his interest in fighting for the project. “It is a fight that is worth having right there. The right to life is very important,” he said in a statement.
“This state is overwhelmingly in favor of this bill and we will do whatever it takes – as long as it takes – to ensure that this right to life is protected in South Carolina.”
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic celebrated Lewis’ decision, according to the WCSC.
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“Today we are celebrating the court’s decision on behalf of our patients, who can continue to seek us, their trusted health care provider, for access to abortion and other essential health services,” said CEO Jenny Black.
“We urge Governor McMaster to consider the court’s decision and focus on improving health outcomes for people in South Carolina, rather than trying to ban abortion or restrict access to health care.”