By TOM DAVIES Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indiana judge has turned down a request to block enforcement of the state's abortion ban just hours after it took effect.

The ruling came Thursday in a lawsuit filed by abortion clinic operators who argue that the state constitution protects access to the procedure.

Special Judge Kelsey Hanlon didn't give any explanation for her decision with the order denying a temporary injunction sought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, which is representing the clinics, but cited a court hearing set for Monday on the lawsuit.

The ACLU argues that the ban violates the Indiana Constitution by infringing on the right to privacy and the guarantee of equal privileges.