RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina state senators are expected to approve a measure Tuesday that would prohibit doctors from performing abortions in cases where they are being sought on the basis of race, sex or a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is not expected to approve the bill.

Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion advocates say the proposal ensures equality by protecting fetuses that could have disabilities when they are born. Abortion rights groups fear the plan would interfere with a woman's privacy rights and constitutional right not to go forward with her pregnancy.