Louisiana judge again blocks state abortion ban

A Louisiana judge once again blocked the state from temporarily enforcing a ban on most abortions as pro-choice attorneys pursue a lawsuit to challenge the law.

Democratic East Baton Rouge Judge Donald Johnson set a hearing for next Monday on the matter, The Associated Press reported.

The case comes after Democrat Orleans Parish Judge Robin Giarrusso issued a temporary injunction on the state law late last month to halt the state's so-called "trigger ban" on abortion following the Supreme Court's decision to overrule Roe v. Wade.

New Orleans Judge Ethel Julien then sent the case to Baton Rouge last week, ruling that state law requires the lawsuit to be heard in the capital. Because the case was no longer in her court, Julien said she was unable to extend the temporary order blocking the law from being enforced.

"This is an incredible relief for people who need abortion care right now in Louisiana," said attorney Jenny Ma, who is representing the plaintiff Center for Reproductive Rights. "Abortion care in the state can resume today, and further irreparable harm has been avoided."

Louisiana Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry criticized the court's decision on Twitter. 

"The people of Louisiana have spoken both directly at the ballot box and through their elected legislature again and again and again - not only statutorily but also constitutionally," he wrote. 

"To have the judiciary create a legal circus is disappointing and what [sic] discredits the institutions we rely upon for a stable society," Landry stated. "The rule of law must be followed, and I will not rest until it is. Unfortunately, we will have to wait a little bit longer for that to happen... Any society that places themselves before their children (the future) does not last."