Biological Mother Of Baby Veronica Files Federal Lawsuit

The biological mother of a girl at the center of a South Carolina adoption dispute has sued the federal government over a law governing the placement of Indian children.

Christy Maldonado, of Bartlesville, sued U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder seeking a declaration that parts of the Indian Child Welfare Act are unconstitutional.

7/24/2013 Related Story: Court Denies Rehearing In Baby Veronica Case, Orders Adoption Finalized

Maldonado said the law considers race in determining with whom a child should live and therefore violates equal protection provisions.

A Charleston-area couple, Matt and Melanie Capobianco have been trying to adopt Maldonado's now-3-year-old daughter since the girl's birth. Veronica lived with them for two years but has been with her biological father since a 2011 ruling gave him preference because of his Cherokee heritage.

South Carolina's highest court ruled Wednesday that Veronica's adoption be finalized.

Indian Child Welfare Act Overview