Utah Judge Blocks Anti-Abortion Law from Taking Effect

A Utah judge has blocked the state's ban on abortion clinics, which was set to take effect on May 2. The law, signed by Republican Gov. Spencer Cox in March, would have banned abortion clinics from operating in the state beginning next year, but allowed abortions to be performed until 18 weeks of pregnancy at a hospital. The judge agreed with Planned Parenthood Association of Utah that the law was discriminatory against abortion clinics and placed a greater burden on them. Planned Parenthood Federation of America welcomed the decision.