PHOENIX -- Civil rights groups are suing Arizona to block a 2011 law that bans abortions based on the race or sex of the child and makes it a felony to knowingly provide a sex- or race-based abortion.
Lawyers for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona filed the federal lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of two civil rights groups. They say the law unconstitutionally singles out Asian and black women based on stereotypes and the sponsors' beliefs that Asian and black women may choose an abortion because of race or the baby's sex.
The suit seeks an injunction blocking the law.
Republican Rep. Steve Montenegro was a sponsor of the 2011 law and says it was needed to protect the dignity of life and not allow abortions based on sex or race.