Arizona House of Representatives Fails to Advance Abortion Ban Repeal Amid Controversy
The Republican-majority Arizona House of Representatives failed to advance a bill that would repeal the state’s 160-year-old ban on abortions during their session on Wednesday, following two attempts to discuss the measure. The representatives voted not to take up the issue on the House floor, with an evenly split vote and the chair making the tie-breaking decision.
Background of Arizona’s 1864 Abortion Ban
If the 1864 ban were repealed, Arizona would revert back to its 15-week abortion restriction, enacted in 2022 by then-Governor Doug Ducey. The law permits the procedure only to save the life of the pregnant person and threatens providers with potential prison sentences between two and five years.
Political Fallout and Calls for Moderation
GOP candidates in competitive races, such as former President Donald Trump and US Senate candidate Kari Lake, have urged the GOP-controlled legislature to work with Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs on a more moderate approach regarding abortion rights. However, House Republicans ended their session early on Monday in an attempt to block an effort to repeal the abortion ban.
Abortion Rights Initiative
Abortion rights advocates are gathering signatures to put an initiative on the November ballot that would enshrine abortion access in Arizona’s state constitution until fetal viability, estimated around 22 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. The group behind the initiative, Arizona for Abortion Access, needs to submit 384,000 valid signatures by July 3.
Rallies and Reactions
Abortion rights supporters and opponents gathered outside the statehouse Wednesday morning. Jill Norgaard, an Arizona Right to Life board member who opposes repealing the 1864 law, expressed her moral stance, stating, “It’s not a political issue, it’s a moral issue.” Arizona for Abortion Access planned a statehouse rally for Wednesday afternoon.
Updates on the Developing Story
This story has been updated with additional reporting as the situation regarding Arizona’s abortion laws continues to unfold.