The Arizona House of Representatives, controlled by Republicans, faced a setback in their attempt to repeal the state’s longstanding abortion ban on Wednesday. This rejection follows a recent revival of the law by the state Supreme Court, injecting turmoil into Arizona’s political landscape.
Arizona’s Abortion Law: Updates
The evenly split vote among lawmakers, ultimately decided by the chair, halted discussions on the bill aimed at repealing the 1864 ban on abortions. Despite calls from GOP candidates, including former President Donald Trump and US Senate candidate Kari Lake, to pursue a more moderate approach in collaboration with Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, the bill was not brought to a vote.
House Speaker Ben Toma emphasized the need for cautious deliberation, arguing against rushing through a repeal of a law repeatedly affirmed by the legislature.
If the 1864 law were to be repealed, Arizona would revert to a 15-week abortion restriction implemented in 2022. This law, signed by then-Governor Doug Ducey, prohibits most abortions with exceptions only to save the pregnant person’s life, subjecting providers to prison sentences.
The rejection of the repeal comes amidst broader efforts by abortion rights advocates to challenge restrictive laws. Democrats, aiming to regain control of the state legislature, seized on the failed repeal as a rallying point, emphasizing the need to protect reproductive rights.
With public opinion divided on abortion, highlighted by a Wall Street Journal poll showing a majority supporting legal access, the debate over reproductive rights in Arizona remains contentious. Abortion rights groups continue to mobilize, seeking to enshrine access to abortion in the state constitution, while Democrats hope to capitalize on voter frustration over-restrictive legislation in upcoming elections.
