Arkansas asks panel to lift injunction on abortion law

LITTLE ROCK—A federal appeals court is considering arguments from Arkansas attorneys and Planned Parenthood officials over a judge's order blocking the state's new abortion restrictions.

Oral arguments were held Tuesday before a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. The case challenges a state law that would result in limiting surgical abortions to Little Rock.

Planned Parenthood argued that the law was unconstitutional and would increase safety risks for some women. Arkansas Deputy Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni said most women live within easy access of the city and "any impact on abortion access in Arkansas would be marginal."

The law also requires providers of medication abortions to contract with a physician with admitting privileges at a designated hospital to be available in case of emergencies, which Planned Parenthood also is challenging.

Read more: http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/arkansas/story/2017/mar/09/arkansas-asks-panel-lift-injunction-abortion-law/664713/