By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – A judge on Monday delayed a hearing that might have determined whether a new law goes forward that requires a 24-hour waiting period for abortions.
That means the status of the law won't be known until at least May.
Planned Parenthood sued to block the law from taking effect and won a temporary restraining order in October. Now it says it needs more time to prepare for the hearing.
Lawmakers enacted the law by overriding a veto by Governor Bob Holden last fall. It requires physicians to wait 24 hours after consulting with women before performing abortions. The "informed consent" law also allows violating physicians to be charged with misdemeanors.
Planned Parenthood affiliates contend the law is unconstitutionally vague.
A judge was supposed to hear the case January 27th, but now won't hear it until at least May 25th.