CorwinWickham445FARGO, N.D. (AP Jul 31, 2013) – A judge has blocked a North Dakota law that requires doctors who perform abortions to have hospital admitting privileges, after opponents of the bill argued it was unconstitutional.
 
     East Central District Judge Wickham Corwin heard arguments Wednesday about the bill, one of four anti-abortion laws passed this year by the Republican dominated Legislature and signed by Gov. Jack Dalrymple.
 
     Afterward, Corwin said he would issue a preliminary injunction stopping the law from taking effect Thursday.
 
     Officials at the Red River Women’s Clinic in Fargo, the state’s sole abortion provider, have said the bill would likely force them out of business. The clinic is served by out-of-state physicians.
 
     Republican Rep. Spencer Berry, the bill’s sponsor, has said the legislation is meant to assure the health and safety of women.