Fetal Heartbeat Abortion Ban Blocked

A federal appeals court has blocked a North Dakota law that would have banned abortions after a heartbeat was detected.

It usually happens around six weeks of pregnancy.

The Center for Reproductive Rights based out of New York represented the Red River Women’s Clinic in Fargo in the case.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland granted a preliminary injunction in July of 2013 so the bill could not take effect.

The appeal’s court decision reaffirms that.

More than 60 North Dakota lawmakers urged Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem to appeal Hovland’s ruling.