A court hearing on Wednesday could result in closure for the US state of Mississippi's only abortion clinic.
Jackson Women's Health Organization is seeking a renewal of a temporary stay on a measure that could shut its doors.
A judge will decide whether to grant the extension, but state attorneys argue the measure should take effect.
The state says the clinic's physicians should have certification to admit patients to a local hospital.
State attorneys argue the so-called admitting privileges requirement is designed for patient safety.
But the clinic says it has been unable to obtain the certification for two physicians, and that the privileges give hospitals a veto over abortion.
Clinic lawyers argue that the measure amounts to a block on women's access to a constitutionally protected medical procedure.
If the Jackson clinic is closed, the closest abortion providers are about 200 miles (321 km) away, in several different states.
US District Judge Daniel Jordan issued a temporary restraining order on 1 July, the day the measure was to take effect, while the court heard a lawsuit brought by the clinic.
Judge Jordan can either lift the restraining order, letting the law take effect, continue the temporary ban, or order a more permanent injunction allowing both sides to prepare for a trial.
In 1973, a Supreme Court ruling established the right to abortion in the US.
Almost 20 years later, the court upheld Roe v Wade but allowed states to regulate abortion procedures before foetuses are viable without placing undue burdens on women seeking abortions.
Jackson Women's Health Organization is seeking a renewal of a temporary stay on a measure that could shut its doors.
A judge will decide whether to grant the extension, but state attorneys argue the measure should take effect.
The state says the clinic's physicians should have certification to admit patients to a local hospital.
State attorneys argue the so-called admitting privileges requirement is designed for patient safety.
But the clinic says it has been unable to obtain the certification for two physicians, and that the privileges give hospitals a veto over abortion.
Clinic lawyers argue that the measure amounts to a block on women's access to a constitutionally protected medical procedure.
If the Jackson clinic is closed, the closest abortion providers are about 200 miles (321 km) away, in several different states.
US District Judge Daniel Jordan issued a temporary restraining order on 1 July, the day the measure was to take effect, while the court heard a lawsuit brought by the clinic.
Judge Jordan can either lift the restraining order, letting the law take effect, continue the temporary ban, or order a more permanent injunction allowing both sides to prepare for a trial.
In 1973, a Supreme Court ruling established the right to abortion in the US.
Almost 20 years later, the court upheld Roe v Wade but allowed states to regulate abortion procedures before foetuses are viable without placing undue burdens on women seeking abortions.
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