Ohio law banning almost all abortions will remain blocked as state constitutional challenge proceeds, judge rules

An Ohio law banning virtually all abortions will remain blocked while a state constitutional challenge proceeds, a judge said Friday. The ruling will allow pregnancy terminations through 20 weeks' gestation to continue for now.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Christian Jenkins issued the preliminary injunction from the bench after a daylong hearing where courthouse guards screened spectators and one abortion provider testified to wearing a Kevlar vest due to fears for her safety.

In impassioned remarks announcing his decision, Jenkins knocked the state's arguments that the Ohio Constitution doesn't ever mention abortion, and therefore doesn't protect the right to one. He said a right doesn't have to be named to be protected.