U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt has blocked a new Indiana law that bans abortions sought because of a fetus' genetic abnormalities, saying the state does not have the authority to limit a woman's reasons for ending a pregnancy.

An Indiana University reproductive rights expert says the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to rule a Texas anti-abortion law unconstitutional could make it easier to strike down some of Indiana's laws.

The federal judge indicated a ruling will come before the law takes effect July 1.

Indiana's attorney general says in a brief filed Wednesday that the court should deny Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky's request for a preliminary injunction.

Participants say the protest wasn't really possible before the bill was approved by the General Assembly.

Proponents say the law ensures the dignity of all lives and prevents discrimination against those with disabilities. But Planned Parenthood and the ACLU of Indiana say the measure unconstitutionally violates a woman's privacy.

The new law bans women from getting abortions because of fetal genetic defects, and it prohibit abortions from being performed because of a fetus's race, sex or ancestry. Critics of the legislation -- including some Republican lawmakers -- say it goes too far.

Gov. Mike Pence says he's still considering whether to sign a bill that bars women from having abortions solely because of a fetus' potential disability.

The House sent a bill Wednesday to the governor that bans abortions performed solely because of a fetus' sex, race or disability.

A bill placing restrictions on abortions passed through the Senate with opposition from Democrats and three Republicans.