The temporary injunction was issued Wednesday night.
October 7, 2021, 1:00 AM
• 2 min read
Share to FacebookShare to TwitterEmail this articleA federal judge issued a temporary injunction Wednesday night barring enforcement of Texas' controversial new abortion law.
The statute, which went into effect on Sept. 1, after the Supreme Court refused to block it, bans physicians from providing abortions once they detect a so-called fetal heartbeat -- which can be seen on an ultrasound as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.
People take part in the Women's March ATX rally at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, Oct. 2, 2021.
The unprecedented law, known as SB8, effectively prevents women in Texas from obtaining pre-viability abortions, which are a protected right under the U.S. Constitution -- a fact the judge pointed to in his motion granting a preliminary injunction.
"From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution," U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pitman wrote in the motion. "That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right."
ABC News' Ivan Pereira contributed to this report.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
