Planned Parenthood asks Montana judge to block law that bans 2nd-trimester abortion method

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Planned Parenthood of Montana asked a judge to temporarily block a law that bans the abortion method most commonly used after 15 weeks of gestation. The organization filed the complaint over the law to ban dilation and evacuation abortions on Tuesday, just hours after Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office announced he had signed the bill into law. The law, which took effect immediately, says anyone who performs such an abortion can be charged with a felony that can be punished with 5 to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $50,000. There are exceptions for medical emergencies.