Wichita ? A federal judge has refused to dismiss the government’s lawsuit against an abortion opponent accused of sending a threatening letter to a Wichita doctor training to offer abortion services.

U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten ruled Wednesday that a jury must decide whether Angel Dillard’s letter to Dr. Mila Means is protected speech or a true threat.

The Justice Department filed the civil lawsuit against Dillard under a law aimed at protecting access to abortion services. Dillard had moved for dismissal.

The Valley Center woman wrote to Means in January saying the doctor would have to check under her car every day because someone might place an explosive under it.