Arizona Abortion Law Challenged

PHOENIX - A December court hearing is set on whether to dismiss parts of a legal challenge to a new Arizona law imposing restrictions on abortion.

Lawyers for the state are asking Judge Donald Daughton of Maricopa County Superior Court to dismiss parts of Planned Parenthood's lawsuit. Those parts of the lawsuit challenge provisions allowing only non-physicians to perform surgical abortions and expanding care providers' existing right to not participate in abortion.

The state contends those provisions violate prohibitions against legislation aimed at specific individuals or groups and legislation covering multiple subjects.

Daughton held a hearing in the case on Tuesday. He previously blocked parts of the law from being implemented but let other parts take effect.