Federal Judge Blocks Mississippi ‘Heartbeat’ Abortion Ban, Governor Responds

Federal Judge Blocks Mississippi ‘Heartbeat’ Abortion Ban, Governor Responds

A file photo of an ultrasound film of a 13-week fetus. Kornn Photo/iStock

A federal judge on May 24, temporarily blocked a Mississippi law that would ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, at about six weeks of pregnancy.

U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves’ order stops the law from taking effect July 1.