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Supreme Court blocks Texas abortion clinic law

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The clinics can stay – for now.

The U.S. Supreme Court decided Tuesday to block key parts of a Texas law that forced most of the state’s abortion clinics to close.

As many as 13 abortion clinics many be able to re-open their doors, but only until the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rules on the constitutionality of Texas law.

The law required clinics to have surgical capabilities similar to that of a full service hospital, and for doctors to have nearby hospital admitting privileges.

The surgical center requirement is blocked statewide. The admitting requirement is blocked only in McAllen and El Paso.

Three conservative justices voted against the block: Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito. The justices voting in favor were not listed.

Gavin Stern is a national digital producer for the Scripps National Desk. Follow him on twitter at@GavinStern or email him at gavin.stern@scripps.com