Suit Challenges New Abortion Restrictions In Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Abortion clinics in Louisiana and their doctors have filed a lawsuit to block a series of new restrictions on abortion, including making women wait longer before an abortion can be performed and taking away medical options in the second trimester.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Baton Rouge on Friday. The restrictions take effect Aug. 1.

New requirements would force many women to wait 72 hours and undergo ultrasounds before getting abortions. Louisiana is also partially banning a procedure called dilation and evacuation. The suit charges the laws are unconstitutionally restrictive.

Such restrictions are at the center of a nationwide battle over abortion.

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a Texas law requiring hospital admitting privileges for doctors who perform abortions. The Supreme Court blocked enforcement of a similar Louisiana law in March.

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