A group of GOP lawmakers are asking a judge to allow them to defend an Arizona law that criminalizes physicians for performing abortions because of genetic abnormalities.

The law was passed two years ago in Arizona, but couldn't take effect because of constitutional protections for abortion rights under the Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade decision. Then-Attorney General Mark Brnovich moved to instate after the high court reversed Roe vs. Wade last summer.

Pro-abortion groups sued to stop the piece of legislation in response, but it was ruled enforceable by a federal judge in January. 

The law has provisions including criminalizing doctors who knowingly perform abortions for genetic abnormalities, and another that defines unborn fetuses as citizens with rights.

The legality of that provision is still being litigated. Meanwhile, as the Arizona Mirror reports, newly-elected Attorney General Kris Mayes has said her office will fight for a woman’s right to an abortion. 

In a court filing this month, GOP leaders asked to intervene in the case and defend the law, arguing that Mayes will not.