Oklahoma Judge Blocks Abortion Law from Taking Effect

An Oklahoma County judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked a new law from taking effect that restricts how physicians can treat women with abortion-inducing drugs.

District Judge Daniel Owens issued the ruling after a conference call with attorneys for both sides.

The judge's temporary injunction prevents House Bill 1970 from taking effect on Nov. 1. The measure requires doctors to follow strict guidelines and protocols authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and prohibits off-label uses of abortion-inducing drugs.

"We're thrilled that women in Oklahoma will continue to be able to access medical care that accounts for scientific evidence, sound medical judgment and advancements in medicine," said Michelle Movahed, an attorney for the New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights, which challenged the law on behalf of Nova Health Systems, a Tulsa reproductive health care facility, and Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive Justice, a nonprofit abortion rights group.