Iowa Judge Halts Controversial Abortion Ban

A state judge in Iowa has temporarily blocked a newly signed law that would ban abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The law will remain on hold until a final decision is issued. The judge allowed Iowa's board of medicine to begin drafting guidelines on how physicians would be punished for violating the law. The law, signed by Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, prohibits most abortions after early cardiac activity can be detected in a fetus or embryo. Planned Parenthood and other advocacy groups filed a lawsuit, arguing that the law violates constitutional rights. The case is expected to be taken to the state Supreme Court.