A federal judge in South Dakota has temporarily blocked an executive order issued by Governor Kristi Noem, a Republican, that makes access to a medication abortion more difficult.
The gubernatorial order would require medical providers to administer both steps in a medication abortion. Before the order, women were only required to visit a medical provider for the first dose and could then take the second dose on their own 24 to 72 hours later.
The ruling by Judge Karen Schreier grants Planned Parenthood’s injunction against the mandate. The women’s health organization argued that the order presented a “substantial obstacle” for women because they can only receive in-state abortions at a single Planned Parenthood in Sioux Falls.
“Because Planned Parenthood’s office in Sioux Falls is the only one that provides abortions in the state, and because many women travel long distances to reach its office, forcing them to make repeat visits could put an undue burden on many women, the judge wrote in her restraining order,” according to Reuters.
Read the full report on Reuters.
