Leading AZ lawmakers defend protections for unborn children with disabilities

WHO: Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys

WHAT: Available for media interviews following oral arguments in Isaacson v. Mayes

WHEN: Immediately following hearing, which begins at 10:30 a.m. PDT, Monday, Sept. 11

WHERE:  U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, Courtroom #503, Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse, 401 W. Washington St., Phoenix, or view the livestream. To schedule an interview, contact ADF Media Relations Manager Bernadette Tasy at (480) 356-0324.

PHOENIX – Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys will be available for media interviews following oral arguments Monday in Isaacson v. Mayes. In the case, ADF attorneys represent the president of the Arizona Senate and the speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, who have intervened to defend a state law that prevents children from being aborted simply for having a disability.

Two abortionists and three organizations who oppose protections for babies with genetic abnormalities filed a lawsuit seeking to have SB 1457, the law containing those protections, struck down. A federal district court ruled in March to allow Speaker Ben Toma and President Warren Petersen to intervene in defense of the law.

“No child—born or unborn—should be discriminated against because of her race, sex, or disability,” said ADF Senior Counsel Denise Harle, who will be arguing on behalf of the two legislative leaders. “Arizona’s life-affirming law ensures that babies, including those with Down syndrome, are not targeted for death because of their genetic makeup. While common sense says that this law deserves everyone’s support, the abortion industry continues to push for and profit from abortions targeting children for their genetics, physical appearance, and other inherent immutable traits. We urge the 9th Circuit to reject plaintiffs’ challenge to this law.”

Since 2011, the state of Arizona has protected unborn babies from racial and sex discrimination. In 2021, Arizona added protections against discriminatory abortions based on non-fatal genetic anomalies, such as Down syndrome.

• Pronunciation guide: Harle (HAR’-lee)

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

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