Judge blocks new Florida abortion law hours before it would have taken effect

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction, blocking a new law that places restrictions on abortion clinics in Florida.

U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle late Thursday stopped key portions of the law hours before it was scheduled to take effect.

Planned Parenthood challenged the measure Gov. Rick Scott signed into law earlier this year.

Read: Injunction issued by judge blocking abortion law

Read: New abortion law enacted by Florida legislature

The law prevents any state funds from going to an organization that also provides abortions. It also added new inspection requirements on clinics.

Hinkle in his ruling stated that previous federal rulings have made it clear that the government cannot indirectly try to stop an activity that is legally allowed.

The Florida law also requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Hinkle's ruling, however, does not address that part of the law.

The injunction will lapse on July 7 at 5 p.m. if Planned Parenthood does not pay a $5,000 security to "pay all costs and damages sustained by any party found to have been wrongfully enjoined."

Associated Press