Arizona Supreme Court Upholds 160-Year-Old Abortion Ban
The Arizona Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold a near-total abortion ban from the 19th century has sparked a national debate and multiple attempts to overturn the ban.
Failed Attempts to Repeal the Ban
- Republican-controlled statehouse quashed efforts to overturn the ban for the second time
- Republican members blocked a procedural motion to allow a vote on a repeal bill
- Bipartisan support from one Republican and all 29 Democrats was not enough to pass the motion
Despite these efforts, the stringent ban remains in place, with ongoing debates and challenges ahead.
Arizona’s Current Abortion Laws
Arizona currently enforces an abortion ban beyond 15 weeks of pregnancy, with no exceptions for rape or incest. The law criminalizes abortion throughout pregnancy, except when the mother’s life is at risk.
Future Steps and Advocacy
Democrats are pushing forward with a Senate version of the repeal bill, facing procedural hurdles. Abortion rights advocates are mobilizing to introduce a ballot measure in November to secure abortion rights in the state constitution.
National Impact and Political Landscape
The debate around abortion in America has intensified since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. This decision has led to electoral repercussions and shifts in stance among Republican leaders.
Even prominent figures like Senator Shawnna Bolick and former President Donald Trump have expressed concerns about the 1864 ban, indicating a changing perspective on abortion policies.
