PHOENIX — A federal judge said Friday he wants to go ahead with a hearing in less than two weeks about the legality of a controversial state law claiming abortions may be reversible.
In an order that surprised at least some of the attorneys involved, Judge Steven Logan rejected an offer by the Attorney General’s Office to allow him to issue a preliminary injunction blocking the law until there can be a full trial at some later date. That would have eliminated the need for a hearing set to start Oct. 21.
The judge, however, had other ideas.
In a brief order Friday, Logan pointed out he already had set aside three days to hear not only legal arguments but also to allow both sides to present witnesses. So he told both sides to be ready to go ahead with that full-blown trial at that time.
The law revolves around two-drug medication abortions that are available through the ninth week of pregnancy as an alternative to surgical procedures.
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The Legislature approved and Gov. Doug Ducey signed the measure requiring doctors and others to personally inform women at least 24 hours before the procedure that “it may be possible to reverse the effects of a medication abortion if the woman changes her mind but that time is of the essence.” Doctors who do not comply could lose their ability to practice medicine.
Attorneys representing Planned Parenthood of Arizona sued, contending the law is based on “junk science” and that “no credible evidence exists to support this statement.”
The law has not been enforced since the lawsuit was filed, with the goal of a hearing on the injunction this month and a full trial at some later date.
David Brown, an attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights said while the judge’s action was a bit unexpected, it should not impair the ability of challengers to make their case.
A spokeswoman for the Attorney General’s Office would not comment.
