Federal judge considers lawsuit seeking to halt Oklahoma abortion law

Monday, May 23rd 2005, 11:43 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- Opponents of a new state law requiring minors to notify their parents before getting an abortion say the law puts the health of young girls at risk and should be stopped.

The first hearing on the lawsuit filed for Tulsa abortion clinic Reproductive Services was held Tuesday before federal Judge Dale Cook in Tulsa.

Reproductive Services is asking for a temporary restraining order to suspend the law and Cook promised to take action as quickly as possible.

Attorney Bebe Anderson says girls who don't notify their parents often fear abuse or being kicked out of their home. Anderson says the case is time sensitive and a delay of a few days could make it illegal for a girl to get an abortion.

Attorneys for the state argued that the is immune from federal lawsuits under the US Constitution. Assistant Attorney General Elizabeth Sharrock also says the clinic failed to show immediate and irreparable harm if the temporary injunction is not granted.