A group of Arizona Republican lawmakers are seeking to overturn a long-standing state law that prohibits almost all abortions, with the support of Kari Lake, a prominent Senate candidate and ally of Donald J. Trump.
The state Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold the 1864 law, which dates back to before Arizona became a state, has sparked controversy. Democrats anticipate a surge in voter turnout to defend abortion rights in the swing state.
In response to their party’s resistance to reversing the law, some Republicans are now seeking a solution. Kari Lake, engaged in a competitive Senate race that could determine Senate control, has reached out to state legislators to express her support for repealing the law and reinstating the 15-week abortion ban that was previously in place.
This shift represents a significant change for many Arizona Republicans, who initially celebrated the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 and subsequently advocated for the reinstatement of the 1864 ban. Ms. Lake, who previously praised the 160-year-old law, now condemns the court’s decision and views it as out of touch with the people of Arizona.
Other Republicans have also changed their stance on the issue, acknowledging the shift in public opinion on abortion since the Supreme Court’s ruling. Despite this change, Arizona Democrats have faced obstacles in their efforts to repeal the 1864 ban, as Republicans have shut down legislative proceedings and postponed further debate.
The 1864 law prohibits abortion from the moment of conception, with only one exception for saving the mother’s life and no exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The current Republican leadership in the State Senate and House has expressed support for the law and indicated a reluctance to repeal it despite mounting pressure.
Kari Lake, who has previously expressed anti-abortion views, is now attempting to strike a middle ground on the issue. She has emphasized the need for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and maternal health while opposing both federal funding for abortion and a federal ban on the procedure.
Other Arizona Republicans, including Representatives Juan Ciscomani and David Schweikert, have also voiced opposition to the near-total ban and called for immediate action from the State Legislature. Democrats have criticized the Republican shift on abortion, accusing them of hypocrisy and disregarding their anti-abortion history.
Despite Democrats’ efforts to repeal the territorial-era ban in past legislative sessions, Republican majorities have consistently blocked such measures from advancing. The ongoing debate underscores the divisive nature of the abortion issue in Arizona and the challenges faced by lawmakers in finding common ground.
Source link
