If the state legislature decides to repeal the 1864 abortion ban in Arizona, the state will go back to the 15-week abortion ban that was put into effect in 2022.
The Republican-led House of Representatives in Arizona chose not to discuss a bill on April 17 that aimed to repeal the longstanding abortion ban from 1864, following a recent ruling by the state Supreme Court upholding the law. This decision came after two previous attempts to discuss the bill were unsuccessful.
The political climate in Arizona has been tense since the Supreme Court’s ruling on April 9, with Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake changing her position on the law after former President Donald Trump expressed concerns about its extent.
The vote on whether to discuss the repeal of the abortion ban was split evenly between both parties, leading the chair to cast the tie-breaking vote, ultimately preventing the bill from moving forward.
Former Republican Governor Doug Ducey signed the 15-week abortion ban into law in 2022, aligning with similar legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida. If the 1864 abortion ban is repealed, Arizona will revert to the 15-week law, which only allows exceptions in cases of a medical emergency for the mother, with no exceptions for rape or incest.
Both Kari Lake and President Trump have distanced themselves from the 1864 law, with the former president suggesting that the state legislature collaborate with Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs to find an alternative approach.
Efforts to repeal the 1864 abortion ban have faced challenges, with the recent decision to end a House session early to prevent the bill from being discussed. Meanwhile, a ballot initiative by Arizona for Abortion Access aims to secure enough signatures for a November vote to enshrine abortion access in the state’s Constitution.
Democrats in Arizona see the failed repeal of the abortion ban as a reason to work towards gaining control of the state House and Senate. State Senator Priya Sundareshan emphasized the importance of flipping these chambers to protect abortion access and prevent interference in medical decisions.
Supporters and opponents of the 1864 abortion ban have been actively demonstrating outside the Arizona statehouse, reflecting the intense debate surrounding the issue.
The article also highlights President Trump’s recent statement on abortion, advocating for states to have the authority to regulate abortion laws rather than relying on federal mandates.
The Associated Press and Reuters have contributed to this report. Can you rewrite this sentence?
Source link
