A federal judge plans to block a new state law that would require women seeking abortions to wait 24 hours after consulting a physician.
U.S. District Judge Scott O. Wright will issue a temporary restraining order Friday, one day before the abortion law is to take effect, according to attorneys and the judge's clerk.
The decision came during a telephone conference the judge held Wednesday with state attorneys and Planned Parenthood affiliates, who had challenged the law on grounds it is unconstitutionally vague.
A spokesman for state Attorney General Jay Nixon, said the temporary restraining order will remain into effect until a Jan. 27 hearing.
The Legislature enacted the law Sept. 11 by overriding the veto of Democratic Gov. Bob Holden. It requires physicians to confer with women about risks and wait 24 hours before performing abortions.
Physicians who violate the law face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Because of the alleged vagueness of the statute, doctors could be subject to prosecution every time they provide an abortion, the lawsuit contends.