Staff Reports
The Arizona Legislature voted to repeal an old ban on almost all abortions. Some Republicans and Democrats in the Senate voted to repeal the ban by a narrow margin of 16-14. The House had narrowly passed the repeal bill the week before.
The ban had caused concern for Republicans in Arizona, which is a closely watched state in presidential elections. If the repeal bill is signed, a 2022 law that bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy would become the main abortion law in Arizona. However, the old ban won’t be lifted until 90 days after the end of the legislative session, likely in June or July. This means there could be a period when nearly all abortions are illegal in the state.
The Arizona Legislature approved a repeal of a long-dormant ban on nearly all abortions Wednesday, advancing the bill to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who is expected to sign it. https://t.co/a2zRHlN62L
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 2, 2024
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes welcomed the vote as “a win for freedom in our state,” but expressed concern about the old ban remaining in effect for some time. Mayes said her office is exploring options to prevent the old law from taking effect.
The old ban on abortions in Arizona dates back to before the state was even formed. It only allows abortions if the patient’s life is in danger and doesn’t make exceptions for survivors of rape or incest. Last month, the Arizona Supreme Court suggested that doctors could be prosecuted under the 1864 law.
The vote on the repeal bill took more than an hour, with passionate speeches from lawmakers about their reasons for voting. Both supporters and opponents of abortion gathered outside the Arizona Senate to make their voices heard.
Former President Donald Trump had warned that the abortion issue could lead to losses for Republicans. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, Arizona’s then-Attorney General successfully argued that the old ban could be enforced again. Planned Parenthood officials have pledged to continue providing abortions for the short time they remain legal and to help patients travel out of state for the procedure.
Republican lawmakers are also considering putting competing abortion proposals on the November ballot. These include measures to codify existing abortion regulations, proposing a 14-week ban, and a measure that would prohibit abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
The battle over abortion in Arizona is likely to continue, as both sides work to advance their positions on this deeply divisive issue.
