Judge: Ala. Abortion Clinic Law Unconstitutional

AP

A federal judge says an Alabama law restricting abortion doctors is constitutional.

U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson ruled Monday that state lawmakers exceeded their authority when they passed a law last year requiring doctors at abortion clinics to have hospital admitting privileges.

Thompson says he will block enforcement of the law temporarily. He’s asking attorneys for additional information before issuing a final order.

Thompson’s decision comes days after a federal appeals court blocked a similar law in Mississippi.

Planned Parenthood and others filed a lawsuit over the Alabama law last year.

Supporters of the law say it would make clinics safer. Clinic operators say the law would force the shutdown of all but two of Alabama’s five clinics.

Thompson says the Alabama law would place an undue burden on women.