U.S. court blocks illegal immigrant teen's bid to obtain abortion

Stock picture: Getty

Lawrence Hurley and Ian Simpson

A U.S. appeals court on Friday prevented an illegal immigrant teenager detained by the government from immediately obtaining an abortion, although it left open the possibility she could undergo the procedure within days.

The decision by a U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit panel gave the government until Oct. 31 to approve a sponsor, who could help the 17-year-old obtain the procedure without the government's assistance.