Utah abortion ban

The Utah Supreme Court has upheld a lower court's decision to block the state's near-total abortion ban while Planned Parenthood challenges its constitutionality. The ruling allows abortions to remain legal in Utah up to 18 weeks of pregnancy, barring cases of rape, incest, or threats to the mother's life. Planned Parenthood's President, Kathryn Boyd, celebrated the decision as a victory for reproductive rights, while state Republican leaders expressed disappointment, arguing it undermines legislative authority. Governor Spencer Cox indicated that the state would continue to defend the law vigorously, citing the responsibility to protect the unborn. The case, initially triggered by the 2022 Dobbs decision, will now continue in district court, with the ultimate constitutionality of the law still to be determined. The ruling has led to polarized reactions, reflecting the deep divide on abortion issues in Utah.