Abortion-rights groups challenge Ark.’s 12-week ban

{mosads}”No politician has the authority to vote the fundamental rights of his or her fellow citizens away,” said Stephanie Toti, senior staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, in a statement.

“We fully expect the court to immediately strike down this legislative assault on the U.S. Constitution and 40 years of Supreme Court precedent.”

The ban was enacted in March after the Arkansas state legislature overrode a veto by Gov. Mike Beebe, a Democrat. It will take effect July 18 unless a judge intervenes.

Twelve weeks of pregnancy is typically when a fetal heartbeat can be detected using an abdominal ultrasound.

Supporters of the Arkansas law say it will protect women and children and serve to challenge Roe v. Wade.