US appeals court hears challenge to Arizona's abortion ban for 'genetic abnormalities'
A 2021 law that bans abortions sought because of "genetic abnormalities" should be blocked despite the wishes of Arizona legislative leaders, a lawyer for abortion rights groups argued Monday in federal court.
The hearing in Phoenix before three justices for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit is the latest battle over abortion rights in Arizona since last year's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade.
The 2021 law makes medical providers guilty of a felony if they terminate a pregnancy solely because the fetus is diagnosed with a genetic condition like Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis. It was passed on Republican Party lines and signed by former Gov. Doug Ducey, then blocked by a federal judge in September 2021. But the injunction was lifted after the high court's decision last year, and Arizona U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Rayes declined to reinstate it, meaning the law is now in effect.
The abortion providers who hope to get the injunction back in place are being challenged by Senate President Warren Petersen and Speaker of the House Ben Toma, both Republicans, who intervened as defendants in the law after Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said she wouldn't provide a defense.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2023/09/11/arizona-abortion-ban-for-genetic-abnormalities-challenged-in-court/70828363007/