A Florida judge on Thursday blocked a new law banning abortions in the state after 15 weeks of pregnancy, saying the measure is unconstitutional because it violates the state’s constitutional secrecy provision. The interim injunction by Leon County Judge John C. 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 almost a week after the overthrow of the US Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade, letting states regulate abortions. The state is expected to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court, where Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has appointed three of the seven judges. While 20 years of Republican-led lawmakers have abolished abortion rights in Florida, overall access to the process has been maintained in court cases and on ballots 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 protected access to abortion independently of the U.S. Supreme Court. Florida law allows abortions for up to 24 weeks and then in cases of health hazards and in cases of rape or incest. DeSantis signed the law in April. It was approved after hours of frequent emotional debate in Parliament and the Senate, which were accompanied by rallies and protests outside the state Capitol. Republicans said Florida was “behind the curve” on the issue, with one lawmaker saying the state has become “an abortion destination.” They called the new law “reasonable” and “generous.” Witnesses at this week’s trial in Tallahassee included two women summoned by the state, who are linked to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, an anti-abortion research team. The judge signaled his decision when he asked state witnesses about their statements and experience. He noted that state witnesses were “reluctant to rely on virtually any US data.” “I’m not here to claim abortion, I’re here to claim the right to privacy in Florida. “I am not here to sue Roe against Wade,” Cooper said.
