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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - A federal judge says he'll rule on the legality of Texas' strict new abortion law before it can take effect next week.
Judge Lee Yeakel said Wednesday at the conclusion of two days of testimony from abortion providers, attorneys for the state and others that he'll rule on the law's constitutionality before next Tuesday, when it is slated to take effect.
Abortion providers and abortion rights advocates say the tighter restrictions on when, where and how abortions can be performed are unnecessary and are simply meant to prevent women from getting abortions.
Andy Oldham, arguing for the state attorney general's office, told the court the restrictions are meant to protect the health of women and what he contends is a state interest in the lives of fetuses.
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