Mississippi Federal Judge expresses anger over abortion ban

Mississippi’s abortion ban is facing a test in court today.

A federal judge in Mississippi expressed deep skepticism about a state law that bans abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy. This, sending a signal that attempts across the nation to pass near total bans on abortion might not easily withstand judicial scrutiny.

Governor Phil Bryant signed the so-called “Heartbeat Bill” in March, but the state’s only abortion clinic took the bill to court – and is asking a judge to strike it down. During a hearing, U.S. District Judge, Carlton Reeves expressed anger at times, especially over the fact that the law has no exception for rape or incest. He pointed out that six months ago he struck down a 15-week ban and the legislature responded with an even more restrictive law, suggesting the new law “smacks of defiance” to the court.