Roe v Wade: Mississippi judge refuses to block abortion ban

A judge in Mississippi has rejected a request from the state's only abortion clinic to temporarily block a ban on almost all abortions.

It means that - providing there are no further legal developments - the ban will take effect on Thursday with the clinic closing the day before.

The ban can come into force because the Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v Wade ruling last month.

The 1973 decision guaranteed the constitutional right to an abortion.

The decision to overturn it was met with scenes of protest and joy around the country, as both pro-choice and anti-abortion supporters reacted to a development that will transform abortion rights in America for years to come. read more