INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A federal judge weighing whether to block a new Indiana law banning abortions sought because of a fetus’ genetic abnormalities questioned whether that provision would infringe on some women’s right to an abortion.
Planned Parenthood wants an injunction to stop the law from taking effect July 1, arguing that it’s unconstitutional.
U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt said during Tuesday’s hearing that the law cannot be “described as anything but a prohibition on the right to an abortion” and an infringement on women’s privacy.
State Solicitor General Thomas Fisher told Pratt Indiana’s interest is in “preventing discrimination” against fetuses based on advances in fetal screening technologies.
Indiana’s new law also would prohibit abortions sought because of a fetus’ race or sex.
Pratt said she would rule before July 1.
