The Georgia Supreme Court on Monday halted a ruling striking down the state's near-ban on abortions while it considers the state's appeal.

Judge Robert C.I. McBurney, of Fulton County Superior Court. Courtesy photo Judge Robert C.I. McBurney, of Fulton County Superior Court. Courtesy photo

The high court's order came a week after a judge found that Georgia unconstitutionally prohibits abortions beyond about six weeks of pregnancy, often before women realize they're pregnant. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ruled Sept. 30 that privacy rights under Georgia's state constitution include the right to make personal health care decisions.