TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A federal judge is considering whether to block a new law that places restrictions on abortion clinics in Florida.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle said at an hour-long hearing Wednesday that he may rule before the law takes effect Friday.
Hinkle sharply questioned attorneys representing both Planned Parenthood and the state. But Hinkle also questioned whether the new law was a way to stop Planned Parenthood from doing something that is currently legal in Florida.
State and federal laws already prohibit public money for abortion. The new law goes a step further by preventing any state funds going to any service provided by an organization that also provides abortions.
Florida's new law also includes provision modeled on a Texas law struck down Monday by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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