Arkansas asks panel to lift injunction on abortion law

LITTLE ROCK — A federal appeals court is considering arguments from Arkansas attorneys and Planned Parenthood officials over a judge’s order blocking the state’s new abortion restrictions.

Oral arguments were held Tuesday before a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. The case challenges a state law that would result in limiting surgical abortions to Little Rock.

Planned Parenthood argued that the law was unconstitutional and would increase safety risks for some women. Arkansas Deputy Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni said most women live within easy access of the city and “any impact on abortion access in Arkansas would be marginal.”

The law also requires providers of medication abortions to contract with a physician with admitting privileges at a designated hospital to be available in case of emergencies, which Planned Parenthood also is challenging.

The organization said it sent letters to every obstetrician and gynecologist in the state while searching for physicians with whom to contract, but none of the 225 physicians responded positively. The doctors who gave reasoning noted that even if they supported abortion access, they could face severe professional and personal consequences for being associated with an abortion provider.

The organization contended that the purpose behind the contract requirement is to prevent Planned Parenthood clinics from providing abortions.

Bronni disagreed, saying the requirement doesn’t outlaw such abortions.

“They simply have not shown that this will prevent women from having an abortion,” he said.

The 8th Circuit judges didn’t indicate when they would rule on the case.

U.S. District Judge Kristine Baker blocked the state law last year after Planned Parenthoods filed a lawsuit challenging the new restrictions. The state later appealed.

In her preliminary injunction, Baker cited evidence that increased travel distances and costs for women seeking an abortion may cause them not to undergo the procedure. She said that would force some women into later abortions “that are both riskier and more expensive.”