A federal judge on Thursday agreed to let Utah state attorneys gather evidence as they defend a new abortion ban, a step that creates a record for future appeals amid optimism from anti-abortion advocates nationwide about new conservative U.S. Supreme Court justices.
U.S. District Judge Clark Waddoups said the ruling isn't a signal of his ultimate decision on whether the ban on abortions after 18 weeks should stand.
"I think everyone would be well-served to have a complete discovery record that forms the basis of the decision by this court and the basis for any appeal," Waddoups said.