Judge blocks Indiana abortion ban

An Indiana judge blocked the state’s abortion ban from being enforced Thursday, writing that there is a “reasonable likelihood” that abortion clinics challenging the ban will prevail. (AP file)

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana judge on Thursday blocked the state’s abortion ban from being enforced, putting the new law on hold as abortion clinic operators argue that it violates the state constitution.

Owen County Judge Kelsey Hanlon issued a preliminary injunction against the ban that took effect one week ago. The injunction was sought by abortion clinic operators who argued in a lawsuit that the state constitution protects access to the medical procedure.