Arizona Legislature Approves Repeal of Nearly All Abortion Ban, Governor Expected to Sign

Arizona Legislature Votes to Repeal Long-Dormant Abortion Ban

In a historic move, the Arizona Legislature approved the repeal of a long-dormant ban on nearly all abortions, sending the bill to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs for her expected signature. The ban, which dates back to the Civil War era, had recently been allowed to take effect by the state’s highest court.

The 16-14 vote in favor of repealing the ban saw two Republicans joining with Democrats in the Senate. The ban, which provides no exceptions for survivors of rape or incest and only allows for procedures done to save a patient’s life, would still be active until the fall.

Governor Hobbs expressed her anticipation in signing the repeal, emphasizing the importance of protecting women’s lives and ensuring reproductive healthcare rights. The repeal is seen as a significant step in the ongoing fight to safeguard women’s rights in the state.

The revival of the 19th-century law has sparked debate and put Republicans on the defensive in Arizona, a key battleground state. Vice President Kamala Harris criticized the existing ban, highlighting the need for progress in women’s rights and healthcare.

If the repeal bill is signed into law, a 2022 statute banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy would become Arizona’s prevailing abortion law. However, there may be a period during which nearly all abortions would be outlawed before the repeal takes effect.

Efforts are already underway to prevent the older abortion ban from being enforced before the repeal becomes a reality. Planned Parenthood Arizona has filed a motion asking the state Supreme Court to prevent a pause in abortion services until the repeal is implemented.

The debate surrounding the repeal has been intense, with impassioned speeches from lawmakers on both sides. Democratic Senator Eva Burch, who publicly shared her own experience with abortion, emphasized the importance of repealing outdated laws that restrict women’s rights.

Advocates on both sides of the abortion issue have been vocal in expressing their views, with tensions running high in the Arizona Senate. Former President Donald Trump’s stance on the issue and the potential impact on Republican losses have also been a point of contention.

The repeal of the long-dormant abortion ban marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle for reproductive rights in Arizona. As the state navigates this pivotal moment, the future of abortion laws and access to healthcare remains a topic of intense debate and scrutiny.