Judge extends order blocking Oklahoma abortion law requiring ultrasounds before abortions

Judge extends order blocking Okla. abortion law

OKLAHOMA CITY — A judge has issued an injunction extending a temporary restraining order blocking enforcement of an Oklahoma law that would require women seeking abortions to have an ultrasound and hear a description of the fetus.

At a hearing Monday, Oklahoma County District Judge Noma Gurich said the order would remain in effect at least until a hearing Jan. 21. The law had already been temporarily blocked in May after the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York sued to have it declared unconstitutional.

The 2010 law would require doctors to describe the fetus in detail, including its dimensions and whether arms, legs and internal organs are visible. The abortion-rights group sued, saying women could be forced to hear information that may not be relevant to their medical care.