Watch CBS News

Judge Rules Alabama Abortion Restrictions Unconstitutional

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — A federal judge has permanently struck down an Alabama law that required abortion doctors to obtain admitting privileges at a local hospital.

The decision comes as the U.S. Supreme Court considers whether a similar Texas law is constitutional.

U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson entered the order Friday declaring the state abortion law, which had previously blocked the state from enforcing, as unconstitutional. Thompson says the law would make it impossible for a woman to obtain an abortion in much of the state.

State abortion clinics had filed a lawsuit in 2013 challenging the requirement as unnecessary and an undue burden on women's right to access abortion services.

Alexa Kolbi-Molinas, an American Civil Liberties Union, says the ruling protects women's access to legal abortion.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.