Federal appeals court reinstates most of Texas’ new abortion restrictions.

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FILE - In this July 15, 2013 file photo, two signs that read "Who Lobbied For This?" and "We Need Healthcare Options, Not Obstacles" are held by attendees of a rally in front of Dallas city hall where a group of nearly 200 gathered to protest the approval of sweeping new restrictions on abortion in Texas. A U.S. appeals court on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, issued a ruling reinstating most of Texas\' tough new abortion restrictions, which means as many as 12 clinics will not be able to perform the procedure starting as soon as Friday. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)

AUSTIN, Texas – A federal appeals court has reinstated most of Texas’ new abortion restrictions.

A panel of judges at the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling Thursday evening, three days after District Judge Lee Yeakel said one provision serves no medical purpose.

The panel says that the law requiring doctors to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital can take effect while a lawsuit moves forward.

The Texas attorney general’s office argued that the law is a constitutional use of the Legislature’s authority.

Lawyers for Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers had argued that the regulations did not protect women and would shut down a third of the abortion clinics in Texas.

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