By Patrick Lynn

A federal judge Monday issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking enforcement of a new law that bans doctors without admitting privileges from performing abortion procedures.

A provision within the bill requiring women to receive an ultrasound prior to the procedure was not challenged.

U.S. District Judge William Conley granted the temporary order after a hearing arguments stemming from a lawsuit filed Friday by Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. The suit alleged the requirement would unconstitutionally restrict the availability of abortions in the state.

The TRO will remain in place until July 17 when another hearing will take place. The judge said any bill which imposes restrictions on abortion rights must be aimed at the mother’s best medical interests.

“There is a troubling lack of justification for the hospital admitting privileges requirement,” Conley said as part of his ruling. “Moreover, the record to date strongly supports a finding that no medical purpose is served by this requirement.”

The bill was introduced in the Legislature on June 4, passed nine days later and signed into law Friday by Gov. Scott Walker. It took effect Monday.