Texas Abortions Up To 6 Weeks Can Temporarily Resume, Judge Says

HOUSTON, TX — A Texas judge on Tuesday blocked enforcement of the state's abortion ban set to take effect following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case which granted federal abortion protections, a spokesperson from the Center for Reproductive Rights confirmed to Patch.

Judge Christine Weems in Harris County granted a temporary restraining order against enforcement of a 1925 abortion ban still on the books that was being enforced while the state's trigger law was waiting to take effect, according to the center.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas also confirmed the restraining order.

Abortions will resume for patients up to six weeks into pregnancy in some clinics, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing abortion providers in the lawsuit.

"It is a relief that this Texas state court acted so quickly to block this deeply harmful abortion ban," said Marc Hearron, senior counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights.

Texas' fetal heartbeat law, known as Senate Bill 8, is still in effect and outlaws abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. This can occur as early as six weeks before many women know they are pregnant. The law took effect in September last year.

A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for July 12.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.