NEW ORLEANS -- Louisiana can now enforce a ban on nearly all abortions, according to a judge's Friday order. This comes amid a flurry court challenges to state trigger laws that were created to be in effect after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.
This decision was made the same day that President Joe Biden issued an executive directive to ensure access to abortion in legal states and to reduce the possible penalties for women who seek the procedure after the June 24 ruling by the High Court.
A temporary restraining order was issued by Robin Giarrusso, Louisiana District Judge. This was in response to a lawsuit brought by an abortion clinic in north Louisiana and others.
Ethel Julien, State District Judge, stated Friday that she was not authorized to issue a restraining order as she concluded the suit shouldn't have been filed in her court. According to her, the suit's claims about the law being unconstitutionally vague or inconsistent is a matter involving legislation and should be heard at Baton Rouge state court.
Attorney General Jeff Landry, as well as lawyers representing the state, won the ruling. They argued that the lawsuit was not properly filed in New Orleans.
The attorneys for the law's challengers didn't give details of their next steps, but they said that they would continue to push the case in Baton Rouge. Joanna Wright, lead attorney, stated that "this was a decision on technicality that had no to do with our case's merits. These were not discussed or considered today by the courts or the parties." "This fight will not end."
Amy Irvin spokeswoman for the New Orleans and Baton Rouge abortion clinics. She stated that no counseling or procedures were planned at either facility in the next few days after Julien's ruling. She said that clinics won't be closed because of the decision. She stated that clinic operators would wait for action from the Baton Rouge state court before taking any further action.
The Hope Medical Group for Women administrator in Shreveport told The Associated Press that all scheduled Saturday abortion appointments were being cancelled by clinic staff. Kathaleen Pittman stated that no consultations or procedures had been scheduled for Friday. She stated that the clinic will continue to schedule appointments for women who want to have ultrasounds or counseling next week.
"It's upsetting. It is very difficult. Pittman stated that it was a difficult day indeed.
Landry warned clinics and doctors not to perform abortions after Julien's ruling at the courthouse. Landry stated that if they continue to operate they do so at their own risk.
About 60 protestors gathered in front of the courthouse on Friday, waving signs reading, "Abortion, healthcare" and "Does it matter to you?" Landry has long been an advocate for the legalization of abortion throughout the state.
