Arizona’s highest court has given the state attorney general more time to decide what legal action to take regarding a 160-year-old near-total abortion ban. The court’s order allows for the recent law legalizing abortion up to 15 weeks of pregnancy to remain in place for now. The Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes expressed his commitment to ensuring that doctors can provide medical care based on their judgment rather than outdated laws from 160 years ago. The 1864 law, if implemented, would ban abortion with no exceptions for rape or incest.
In April, Arizona’s Supreme Court voted to restore the older law banning abortion except in cases where the mother’s life is in jeopardy. This law also carried penalties for doctors who performed abortions, with possible prison sentences of up to five years if convicted. The Legislature narrowly voted to repeal the Civil War-era law, but the repeal will not take effect until 90 days after the end of the annual legislative session. It is unclear whether there would be a period during which the older ban could be enforced before the repeal takes effect. The anti-abortion group Alliance Defending Freedom has stated that they will continue fighting to protect unborn children despite the delay in the implementation of the ban.
Planned Parenthood Arizona CEO Angela Florez welcomed the repeal of the 1864 abortion ban, stating that the organization will continue to provide abortion care up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. The focus remains on ensuring that patients have access to abortion care for as long as legally possible. Attorney General Kris Mayes, who now has more time to decide on further legal action, expressed his commitment to allowing doctors to provide medical care based on current standards rather than outdated laws from the territorial legislature of 160 years ago. The battle over abortion laws in Arizona continues, with various groups advocating for their positions.
The Arizona Supreme Court’s decision to give the attorney general more time to decide on legal action regarding the 1864 abortion ban has implications for the future of abortion laws in the state. The recent law allowing abortion up to 15 weeks of pregnancy remains in place for now, while the older ban without exceptions for rape or incest is on hold pending further action. This decision has sparked debate among different groups, with anti-abortion advocates defending the older ban and others celebrating the opportunity to provide abortion care up to 15 weeks. The ongoing battle over abortion laws reflects broader debates on reproductive rights and women’s access to healthcare in Arizona.
The timeline for the implementation of the repeal of the 1864 abortion ban is uncertain, with the attorney general granted an additional 90 days to make a decision on further legal action. Regardless of the eventual outcome, the focus remains on ensuring that doctors can provide medical care to their patients based on current standards and best judgment. Planned Parenthood Arizona continues to offer abortion care up to 15 weeks of pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of access to reproductive healthcare services. The evolving landscape of abortion laws in Arizona highlights the complexities of balancing legal, ethical, and medical considerations in the realm of reproductive rights.
