JACKSON, MS (abc24.com) - A day after a new state law was supposed to shut it down for good, the owner of Mississippi's only abortion clinic says it's business as usual. A judge approved a temporary restraining order against the law over the weekend.
Business as usual includes dealing with controversy for Mississippi's only abortion clinic, Jackson Women's Health Organization.
"I guess it's normal because we are accustomed to being under attack," said the clinic's owner, Diane Derzis.
U.S. District Judge Daniel Jordan issued a temporary restraining order Sunday to stop Mississippi from enforcing the new law. Derzis hopes next week an extended injunction will be granted.
"We are challenging the law itself now," she said, "You're talking about whether or not you can close down the only abortion clinic in the state, leaving women with no alternatives. That's pretty frightening."
And, she believes, unconstitutional. The new law requires everyone who performs abortions to be an OB-GYN and able to admit patients to a local hospital. Derzis says the law is designed to put the clinic out of business. Governor Phil Bryant said as much when he signed it.
She's confident the law will be on her side, to keep the clinic open.
"I think our chances are good because he just granted us a temporary restraining order. Clearly he sees our points are valid, now it just depends on what happens next week."
Jordan will hear arguments July 11 about extending his block of the law.
