Judge puts hold on ND law on medication abortions

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A Fargo judge on Thursday put the brakes on a new state law that some believe could stop North Dakota's only abortion clinic from using medicines to induce abortions.

Cass County District Court Judge Wickham Corwin issued a temporary restraining order against the law, which was scheduled to take effect Aug. 1.

A lawsuit filed earlier this week by a women's right group says the law would prevent doctors from using misoprostol because it's labeled for treatment of stomach ulcers. It's one of two drugs that are administered in combination to induce abortions.

Corwin said in his ruling that the case involves significant and complex issues and the state needs more time to respond to the suit.

The Red River Women's Clinic in Fargo performed about 1,300 abortions last year.