A Service of UA Little Rock

ACLU: Arkansas Test Mandate Could Still Restrict Abortions

A group representing the only surgical abortion clinic in Arkansas says the state's move to resume elective surgeries could still effectively ban the procedure because of a lack of widespread coronavirus testing.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas on Friday did not say whether Little Rock Family Planning Services would be able to resume surgical abortions when the state eases its restrictions on elective procedures next week.

The state will allow some outpatient procedures, but is requiring patients undergo coronavirus testing within 48 hours of their surgery. The ACLU said that requirement could continue to act as a ban on surgical abortions.

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