The United States Supreme Court has declined to block the Texas law against most abortions, but has agreed to hear arguments in the case on November 1.

President Joe Biden's administration has challenged the law which bans abortions once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks and before some women know they are pregnant.

The justices deferred a decision on a request by the administration to block the law while the litigation continues, prompting a dissent from liberal Justice Sotomayor.

"The promise of future adjudication offers cold comfort, however, for Texas women seeking abortion care, who are entitled to relief now," Sotomayor wrote

The Texas measure is one of a series of restrictive Republican-backed abortion laws passed at the state level in recent years.

While it makes an exception for a documented medical emergency, it does not exclude cases of rape or incest.

(With input from agencies)