Judge extends block on Oklahoma abortion law

[December 19, 2009]  OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An Oklahoma County judge has extended a temporary restraining order that blocks enforcement of a strict abortion law. The law would require doctors to report personal information about women who seek abortions and for the information to be posted on a public Web site.

The law was to have taken effect Nov. 1. District Judge Daniel Owens said Friday the restraining order would remain in force until a lawsuit seeking to throw out the law is resolved. A hearing is set for Feb. 19.

The Center for Reproductive Rights and two women sued in September, saying the legislation violated a rule in the Oklahoma constitution that requires one piece of legislation deal with only one issue.

Supporters have said the measure deals only with abortion.

[Associated Press; By ROCHELLE HINES]

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