Federal judge temporarily blocks key part of Arizona abortion law

Details: U.S. District Judge Douglas Rayes raised concerns in an order granting a partial preliminary injunction against the law, signed by Gov. Doug Ducey this year, that the definitions regarding genetic issues were too vague.

• The judge questioned how a doctor could "know" what's going through a patient's mind in such instances.
• "This problem is exacerbated by the reality that the decision to terminate a pregnancy is a complex one, and often is motivated by a variety of considerations, some of which are inextricably intertwined with the detection of a fetal genetic" issue, Rayes wrote.

Yes, but: Rayes declined to grant a preliminary injunction for another aspect of the legislation requiring fetuses, embryos and fertilized eggs to be referred to as "people" from the point of conception. 

What they're saying: Emily Nestler, a senior counsel for the ACLU, which filed a lawsuit challenging the legislation on behalf of the Arizona Medical Association and a local doctor, expressed relief in a statement that the "'reason ban' will be blocked while this case continues."

• "People should not be interrogated about their reason for seeking an abortion," she added. "There are no right or wrong reasons."

The other side: Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, which sponsored the legislation, said in a statement that Tuesday's ruling was "only the first review by the federal courts."

• "We remain confident the law will be upheld and ruled enforceable in its entirety," Herrod added.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from Nestler and Herrod.