North Carolina Senate considers banning Down syndrome abortions

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — North Carolina state senators are expected to approve a measure Tuesday that would prohibit doctors from performing abortions if a woman is seeking it because of race, sex or a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is not expected to approve the bill.

Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion advocates say the proposal ensures equality by protecting fetuses that could have disabilities when they are born.

Abortion rights groups say it would interfere with a woman’s privacy, preventing them from having open conversations with their doctors and violating their constitutional rights.