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PHOENIX, AZ - A federal judge took action Monday that will allow Arizona's new abortion law to take effect on Thursday.

U.S. District Judge James Teilborg ruled that the law banning abortions starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy does not impose substantial limits on abortions and tha the state showed a legitimate interest in imposing the limits.

The law allows for medical emergencies. That's a change from the current ban at viability, which is the ability to survive outside the womb and which is about 24 weeks.

Teilbord held a hearing last Wednesday on a request from abortion-rights groups that he temporarily block enforcement.

Arizona is one of 10 states that have enacted types of 20-week bans.

Governor Jan Brewer signed the bill into law in April.