Mississippi battles over life

A federal judge in Mississippi has ruled a state law limiting abortions to be unconstitutional because it "unduly burdening a woman's right to choose an abortion," according to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.

"The law, passed last year, would have prevented abortions after 13 weeks' gestation, except in places with ambulatory surgical center standards. The clinic said it was ineligible for such a license in the state."

So what did the state do? Pass another law to block abortions. It's supposed to take effect in July and some are worried it will lead to the closing of Mississippi's only abortion clinic.

"Pete Smith, spokesman for Gov. Haley Barbour, said the governor urged lawmakers last year to pass another law after the judge's injunction. That law, to take effect July 1, will make the clinic eligible to apply for a license to meet those ambulatory surgical standards. Unless the clinic gains the certification, it will be illegal for the clinic to perform abortions beyond the first trimester."