Arizona Lawmakers Vote to Repeal Near-Total Abortion Ban from 1864
Phoenix, Ariz. – In a major victory for reproductive rights advocates, Arizona lawmakers have passed a bill repealing a near-total abortion ban that has been on the books since 1864. The move comes amid a heated debate over abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade.
A Long-Overdue Repeal
The 160-year-old law, which predates Arizona’s statehood, prohibited abortion in most cases except to save the life of the mother. It had no exceptions for rape or incest.
Following the repeal of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the outdated law was reinstated in Arizona. However, it has faced numerous court challenges and had not yet been enforced.
Democrats Lead the Charge
The repeal effort was led by Democrats, who control the Arizona House of Representatives. All 29 Democratic House members voted in favor of the bill, while three Republicans joined them.
Arizona Democratic Chairwoman Yolanda Bejarano praised the passage of the bill, calling it a victory for “common sense and decency.”
Republican Resistance
Republicans in the state have largely opposed the repeal, arguing that it would increase the number of abortions and undermine the value of life.
Republican Rep. Rachel Jones, who voted against the repeal, said, “Life is one of the tenets of our Republican platform. To see people go back on that value is egregious to me.”
Democrats Eye Final Passage
The bill now heads to the Arizona Senate, where it is expected to pass. Democratic Gov. Kate Hobbs has indicated that she will sign the bill into law.
If passed by the Senate, the repeal would leave Arizona with a 15-week abortion ban, which was signed into law by Hobbs in March 2023. This would still be more restrictive than abortion laws in most other states.
Implications for the Future
The repeal of the near-total abortion ban in Arizona is a significant development in the ongoing debate over abortion rights. It suggests that public opinion is shifting towards a more pro-choice stance, even in conservative states.
As the issue of abortion continues to be debated in courts and legislatures across the country, it remains a highly controversial and divisive topic. The outcome of these debates will have a profound impact on the reproductive rights of women in the years to come.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
