Utah Supreme Court Blocks Abortion Ban

The Utah Supreme Court upheld an injunction blocking the state's near-total abortion ban, maintaining legal access to abortion up to 18 weeks while the case proceeds in lower courts. The 4-1 decision confirms that Planned Parenthood Association of Utah (PPAU) has standing to challenge the law, which criminalizes nearly all abortions with exceptions for rape, incest, and severe health risks. The court found that the lower court did not abuse its discretion in issuing the preliminary injunction. Governor Spencer Cox and other state officials expressed disappointment, while PPAU celebrated the decision as a temporary victory. The case will continue to be litigated to determine the law's constitutionality.