Suit over Ariz. race, sex abortion ban dismissed
Oct 4, 2013, 4:40 PM | Updated: 4:40 pm
PHOENIX (AP) – A federal judge has dismissed two civil rights groups’ lawsuit challenging an Arizona law banning abortions based on the race or sex of the child.
U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell’s ruling Thursday says the NAACP’s Maricopa County branch and the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum don’t have legal standing to sue.
The law makes it a felony to knowingly provide a sex- or race-based abortion.
The groups contended that 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.
National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum officials said Friday that they’re working with their legal team to determine what steps to take in the case.
Supporters of the 2011 legislation that became the law said it was intended to prevent discrimination.
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