A federal judge in Austin has blocked an effort by the Texas Department of State Health Services to require abortion clinics to bury or cremate fetal remains, in another victory for abortion providers in their ongoing battle with the state's Republican leadership, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks said the rule, which was set to go into effect last month, serves 'no public health purpose' and has the impact of making it more difficult for women to receive the 'legal procedure' of abortion.
Abortion clinics led by the Center for Reproductive Rights had argued that the rule was simply a new impediment to abortion, similar to two restrictions on abortion clinics which were thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court last year.
Supporters of the rule said it would prevent abortion clinics from selling fetal body parts, something the clinics say they don't do.
Supporters also said the rule would allow the remains to receive a 'dignified burial.'Currently, fetal remains are generally disposed of as medical waste.
IMAGE' GETTY