The Arizona Senate voted to repeal the state’s 1864 abortion ban, keeping in place a 15-week abortion limit enacted in 2022. The Senate voted 16 to 14 to repeal the law, with two Republicans joining Democrats in backing the measure. The bill will now go to Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat who has called for the repeal of the pre-statehood ban. The repeal of the law highlights the contentious issue of abortion in the state and sets the stage for its significance in the upcoming November election.
The Senate session was emotional and testy, with heated debates and intense reactions from both sides. Senators read passages from the Bible and played recordings of fetal heartbeats to make their points. The repeal of the 1864 abortion ban has been a significant victory for advocates of reproductive rights. Governor Hobbs expressed her satisfaction with the Senate’s decision, emphasizing that protecting women’s health is just the beginning of ensuring reproductive freedoms for all.
The actions taken by the Senate reflect the divisive nature of the abortion issue in Arizona and the broader political landscape. Republican senators faced backlash for supporting the repeal of the law, highlighting the challenges within the party on this issue. The Biden campaign has identified abortion as a key motivating issue for Democrats in the upcoming election, underscoring the importance of reproductive rights as a political agenda.
The Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling to ban abortions except in cases where a woman’s life is at risk set off a firestorm of controversy. The 15-week abortion ban, which Arizona is set to return to, does not include exceptions for rape or incest. The repeal of the 1864 law will not go into effect immediately, as it is subject to a 90-day waiting period after the legislative session concludes. Abortion rights activists cautiously welcomed the repeal, while acknowledging the ongoing threats to reproductive freedom in the state.
Despite the repeal of the 1864 abortion ban, activists are pushing for a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow for abortions in Arizona. The issue of abortion is expected to be a key issue for voters in the swing state, especially in light of President Biden’s narrow victory in 2020. The repeal of the law and the ongoing efforts to safeguard reproductive rights highlight the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding abortion in Arizona and across the country. Abortion access and regulations continue to be hotly contested issues, with significant implications for women’s health and rights.
