Judge blocks key component of Arizona abortion law

A judge has blocked a key portion of a new Arizona law that would have let prosecutors bring felony charges against doctors who knowingly terminate pregnancies solely because the fetuses have a genetic abnormality such as Down syndrome.

U.S. District Judge Douglas Rayes on Tuesday also threw out another provision that would have let prosecutors bring charges against anyone who helped raise money or pay for abortions done solely because of genetic abnormality.

The judge said the law's criminal provisions were likely unconstitutionally vague, explaining it's unclear at what point in the process doctors can be deemed to be aware that fetal genetic abnormality exists.