Judge Strikes Down NC's 20-Week Abortion Limit

A federal judge has struck down North Carolina's ban on abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Judge William Osteen gave the state a 60-day delay before issuing his decision. That was in part to give lawmakers time to replace the law.

They didn't do that, so last week the judge made it official to strike it down.

North Carolina's law would ban abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy, except in a medical emergency.

Osteen declared it unconstitutional, writing that the 20-week limit prohibited some abortions before a fetus could live outside the womb. The judgment means some women could now obtain abortions later but prior to viability.

The state now has 30 days to appeal the ruling. The state Department of Justice says it's reviewing the case and will confer with legislative leaders before deciding.