Doctors and human rights groups challenge Arizona abortion law in court

Arizona’s law restricting abortions to 20 weeks after the last menstrual period—the most restrictive law in the United States—has been challenged in court by the Center for Reproductive Rights, the American Civil Liberties Union, and three Arizona doctors.

The challengers asked Judge James Teilborg of US District Court in Phoenix, Arizona, on 25 July to block the law, due to come into effect on Thursday 2 August. The judge’s ruling is expected before then.

The Arizona law and the challenge hinge on fetal viability, usually considered to be 23-24 weeks after fertilisation, said Julie Rikelman, litigation director of the Center for Reproductive …