Judge blocks Louisiana abortion ‘trigger law’ from taking effect

A judge in Louisiana temporarily blocked three state laws that would ban virtually all abortions on Monday.

The abortion bans were set to take effect if the Supreme Court ever overturned Roe v. Wade, which it did on Friday. Several states across the country have enacted similar laws, known as “trigger laws.”

Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Robin Giarrusso issued the temporary block shortly after abortion providers in the state filed a lawsuit, according to the order.

Abortion groups, represented by the Center for Reproductive Rights, argue the abortion restrictions violate providers’ due process rights and “lack constitutionally required safeguards to prevent arbitrary enforcement.”

LIVE UPDATES: SUPREME COURT ROE V. WADE DECISION

The groups also argue that the laws are overly vague, as they do not include a specific start date beyond the end of Roe.

Giarrusso will scheduled a hearing for the lawsuit on July 8. The court will then make a determination on whether to continue the stay. Abortions remain legal in the state for the time being.

MORE THAN 2 DOZEN STATES TO RESTRICT ABORTIONS AFTER ROE V. WADE OVERTURNED

The Supreme Court voted to overturn Roe v. Wade on Friday, allowing state governments to regulate abortion for the first time since 1973.

Louisiana’s trigger laws would prohibit abortions in all cases except when the mother faces death or serious injury. The laws include no exceptions for rape or incest.

A dozen other U.S. states have passed trigger laws similar to Louisiana’s.