Judge Lengthens Block On Ohio Planned Parenthood Defunding

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The block on Ohio's new state law to defund Planned Parenthood has been extended an additional two months by U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett.

Barrett will continue to hear arguments over whether or not the block should remain permanent, reports cleveland.com.

The temporary restraining order pertains to an Ohio law signed by Gov. John Kasich in February which would take state funding away from organizations that perform abortions. Planned Parenthood sued arguing that the law was unconstitutional.

Barrett put an initial block on the new Ohio law on May 23rd, the block was set to expire on June 6th. The latest block prevents the state from enforcing the law until August 5th and a timetable has been established for Planned Parenthood to submit briefs making their arguments. A hearing for an injunction is scheduled for August 2nd, according to cleveland.com.

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio's CEO, Iris Harvey commented on the latest court action:

"Without the action by the court today, some of Ohio's most vulnerable citizens would be left without health care options. Especially for families in underserved areas, Planned Parenthood is the only place to turn."

For more on this story, visit cleveland.com

[Image source: Creative Commons]