Judge orders government to allow abortion for immigrant
By Associated Press
Oct 18, 2017 4:05 PM CDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — A judge has ordered the federal government to allow a pregnant 17-year old immigrant who entered the country illegally to undergo an abortion.

U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered Wednesday that authorities either transport the woman or allow her to be transported by others to the clinic.

The case originated in Texas, where the unnamed woman is being held by federal immigration authorities, and was brought to the Washington court by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The woman has already received a court order permitting her to have the abortion, but officials refused to transport her or temporarily release her so supporters could transport her to the clinic.

In a testy exchange with government lawyers Wednesday, Judge Chutkan said she was "astounded" by the government's position.