Arizona House Votes to Repeal 160-Year-Old Abortion Ban
Arizona lawmakers took a significant step on Wednesday by voting on a critical bill aimed at repealing an 1864 ban on abortion that was set to go into effect next month. The Arizona House of Representatives voted ‘yes’ to the repeal in a 32-28 decision.
Next Stage in the Legislative Process
The bill will now progress to the Arizona state Senate where another vote is required to repeal the longstanding ban before it can be officially overturned.
Background on Arizona’s Abortion Ban
The Arizona Supreme Court recently revived a historic ban on abortion dating back over 160 years. This law prohibits abortion without exceptions for cases of rape or incest, criminalizing the medical procedure throughout pregnancy except when the mother’s life is at risk.
Implications of the Ban
If not repealed by the legislature, the ban could take effect within 60 days of the court ruling, adding to the existing restrictions on abortion in the state beyond 15 weeks of pregnancy due to legal delays.
Political Landscape and Abortion Rights in America
The political debate around abortion in the United States intensified following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court. This decision had electoral consequences, prompting some Republican leaders to reconsider their stance on abortion in light of upcoming elections.
Changing Perspectives
After the recent court ruling in Arizona, even Senator Shawnna Bolick, whose spouse supported the old ban, called for its repeal. Former President Donald Trump, known for his role in the Roe v. Wade decision, also expressed concerns about the extent of the 1864 ban.
