(AP)-- A Kansas judge has blocked the state's first-in-the-nation ban on an abortion procedure opponents refer to as "dismemberment abortion."
The decision Thursday from Shawnee County District Court Judge Larry Hendricks came in a lawsuit filed from the New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights. The center represents two Kansas abortion providers and argued the law would force women to undergo riskier procedures or forgo abortions.
The judge's order will stay in effect while he considers the lawsuit further. The new law was supposed to take effect July 1.
It bans a second-trimester procedure that anti-abortion activists call "dismemberment abortion" and was model legislation from the National Right to Life Committee. Kansas was the first state to enact it.
The state's lawyers argued that there are safe alternative abortion methods.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Three former Atchison Co employees arrested on felonies
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Barricaded fugitive arrested in Jackson County
Two file to challenge local legislator
Fatal Atchison apt fire investigation continues
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
USD 415 board select new member
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Results from SE Nebraska contested Primary Elections
Date set for signals switch at Hiawatha intersection
Flags to fly half staff Wednesday across KS
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Memorial Day enforcement hits KS roads
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Contested races in Tuesday Primary Election in Nebraska
LATEST STORIES
Tuition increase by KU, others in state
KS grad requirements updated after two decades.
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Senator Slama won't endorse candidate in legislative race
Local author brings "Broken and Chained" to Falls City Saturday