U.S. Supreme Court puts temporary hold on Louisiana abortion restrictions

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday temporarily prevented a Louisiana law imposing strict regulations on abortion clinics from taking effect in a case that presents a key test on the contentious issue following last year's retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy, a key supporter of abortion rights.

A one-page order issued by Justice Samuel Alito said that "the justices need time to review" the various court filings before making a decision on the emergency application filed by Shreveport-based abortion provider Hope Medical Group for Women to block the law. The restrictions were due to go into effect on Monday.

(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham)