(Indianapolis, IN) - A temporary hold has been placed on Indiana's new abortion law, which is one of the most restrictive in the country. The ruling is in response to a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and other plaintiffs like Planned Parenthood of Indiana.

 

The law, which took effect September 15, bans abortion except in some instances of rape or incest and if the life or health of the unborn child's mother and baby are at risk.

 

In her ruling, Special Judge Kelsey B. Hanlon from Owen County said abortion was not legal when the Indiana Constitution was written. However, the Republican judge said language in the state constitution suggests a "reasonable likelihood" that decisions about family planning, including whether to carry a pregnancy to term, are protected.

 

Republican Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita said his office plans to appeal the decision.

 

"Our office remains determined to fight for the lives of the unborn, and this law provides a reasonable way to begin doing that," Rokita said in a statement.

 

In a joint statement, the ACLU of Indiana and other plaintiffs in the case welcomed the decision but said, "this is just one step along a long road to protect abortion rights."