The new law would prohibit the licensing of new abortion facilities, and it would force existing abortion clinics to close once their licenses expire. The ACLU and Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit challenging the law; arguing that it violates the state constitution's rights to privacy and bodily integrity.
Judge Andrew Stone wrote in his ruling that the law "singles out" abortion clinics and that abortions performed by outpatient clinics are "equally as safe as those performed in a hospital."
Assistant Attorney General Lance Sorenson argued otherwise. “(Hospitals) operate under higher standards of care pursuant to the regulations,” Sorenson said. “They have better emergency care — that’s why (Planned Parenthood) transfers cases to hospitals annually for emergency care.”
Abortion businesses don't have the resources to treat women during medical emergencies caused by abortion. Hospital transfers are a common occurrence. Over the last month, Operation Rescue has reported on seven medical emergencies caused by abortion clinics in Illinois.
Stone's injunction will allow Utah's four abortion businesses to remain open for the time being.
