A judge in Florida has blocked a new law that will ban abortions in 15 weeks

Substitute while the actions of the article are loading

A Florida judge on Thursday blocked a new law banning abortions in the state after 15 weeks of pregnancy, saying the measure was unconstitutional because it violated the state’s confidentiality provision.

The interim order of Leon County Judge John K. Cooper is expected to take effect as soon as a written order is signed. The law is due to take effect on Friday. The decision comes nearly a week after the US Supreme Court overturned Rowe v. Wade, leaving states to regulate abortion.

The state is expected to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court, where Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has appointed three of the seven judges.

While Republican-led legislators took away abortion rights in Florida for 20 years, full access to the procedure was confirmed in court cases and in voting as part of the state’s constitutional right to privacy.

With Thursday’s ruling, Florida remains one of 11 states that have already recognized and defended access to abortion independently of the U.S. Supreme Court. Current legislation in Florida allows abortions for up to 24 weeks, and then in cases of health threats and in cases of rape or incest.

DeSantis signed the law in April. It was adopted after hours of frequent emotional debates on the floors of the House of Representatives and Senate, which were accompanied by rallies and protests in front of the State Capitol. Republicans said Florida was “behind the curve” on the issue, with one lawmaker saying the state had become an “abortion destination.” They called the new law “reasonable” and “generous.”

Witnesses to this week’s non-injury trial in Tallahassee include two women called by the state who are affiliated with the Charlotte Lozier Institute, an anti-abortion research group.

The judge signaled his decision when questioning state witnesses about their testimony and experience. He noted that state witnesses “did not want to rely on the substance of any US data.”

“I’m not here to challenge abortion, I’m here to challenge the right to privacy in Florida. “I’m not here to sue Rowe against Wade,” Cooper said.