Judge blocks enforcement of Missouri abortion law

Via the Kansas City Star:

A federal judge Monday barred the state of Missouri from enforcing a new law that would require abortion clinics in Columbia and Kansas City to upgrade their facilities.

In issuing the temporary restraining order, U.S. District Judge Ortrie Smith gave lawyers representing the state and Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri until Sept. 7 to file further briefs before a planned preliminary injunction hearing three days later.

Peter Brownlie, president of Planned Parenthood, said he was grateful for the restraining order. Otherwise, the clinics would have to close, he said.