Baby born at Mississippi abortion clinic

A woman went into labor and delivered a baby at the state's only abortion clinic Wednesday.

Jackson Women's Health Organization Director Shannon Brewer said a patient on her consultation visit went into labor as she awaited an ultrasound to see how far along she was in her pregnancy.

The clinic is the only place in Mississippi where abortions are performed.

Clinic physician Dr. Bruce Norman delivered the baby, Brewer said. The mother and daughter were transported to a local hospital after the birth.

Brewer said the baby girl and mother are in good health.

The clinic keeps the age and name of patients confidential for safety reasons.

The clinic does not perform abortions after 16 weeks as an internal policy, Brewer said.

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant in March signed into law a ban on abortions after 15 weeks, which would be the strictest time limit on legal abortions in the country.

The Women's Health Organization immediately sued and U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves issued, then extended a temporary restraining order until at least Oct. 24.

The organization expanded its lawsuit to challenge several longstanding Mississippi abortion restrictions, including a 24-hour waiting period. The lawsuit says Mississippi singles out clinics that perform abortions with stricter licensing requirements and regulations than other medical clinics.

Also read: Abortion clinic widens lawsuit against Mississippi restrictions

Related: Judge blocks Mississippi 15-week abortion ban from going into effect

Also read: Mississippi Senate passes nation's most restrictive abortion ban, clinic plans to sue