Arizona Senate Toughens Proposed Ban on Abortions Based on Race, Gender
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}PHOENIX -- The Arizona Senate is toughening a proposed ban on abortions for people who want them because of race or gender.
The Senate on Monday added a provision to make it a felony to perform or provide financing for an abortion sought because of the race or sex of the fetus or the race of a parent.
A House-passed version of the bill did not include a criminal sanction, only allowing suits and civil fines against abortion providers who knowingly provide abortions based on race or sex.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Supporters and opponents disagree whether there's evidence that abortions to select race and sex occur in Arizona.
Senate passage on a 21-5 vote returns the bill to the House to consider changes made by the Senate.