Abortion-Rights Advocates Clear Way to Overturn Missouri Ban But Lose in Florida
Landmark Ruling in Missouri
On Friday, a federal judge blocked Missouri's strict abortion ban, clearing the way for the state's only abortion clinic to resume providing the procedure.
The decision is a major victory for abortion-rights advocates, who had challenged the law as unconstitutional.
The judge ruled that the ban violates the constitutional right to privacy, which includes the right to obtain an abortion.
Setback in Florida
In contrast, abortion-rights advocates suffered a setback in Florida, where a state appeals court upheld a 15-week abortion ban.
The court ruled that the ban is constitutional, rejecting arguments that it violates the right to privacy.
The ban is scheduled to take effect on July 1.
Abortion Laws Under Scrutiny
The rulings in Missouri and Florida highlight the growing legal battle over abortion rights in the United States.
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, several states have enacted or are considering restrictive abortion laws.
Abortion-rights advocates are challenging these laws in court, arguing that they violate the constitutional right to privacy.