Several measures limiting abortion in Texas, originally set to go in effect today, have been ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge. U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel said that the laws, which would effectively shutdown most abortion providers across the state, represented “a substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion of a nonviable fetus and is thus an undue burden to her.” During a wild legislative period (and now-famous filibuster attempt) back in July, Texas lawmakers eventually passed measures that made abortion after the 20th week of pregnancy illegal in most cases, forced providers to meet new standards when admitting patients to nearby hospitals and placed new restrictions on the use of abortion-inducing drugs. Pro-life advocates have filed an appeal of the ruling, ensuring that the case will now be heard by either the appellate courts or even the Supreme Court. In a statement, Texas Gov. Rick Perry said, “We will continue fighting to implement the laws passed by the duly-elected officials of our state, laws that reflect the will and values of Texans” …
