Two Republicans in the Arizona Senate broke ranks with their party on Wednesday to vote with Democrats in favor of repealing the state’s 1864 near-total abortion restriction. Republican State Senators Shawnna Bolick and T.J. Shope sided with Democrats to pass the repeal by a vote of 16 to 14. This follows a similar move in the state House, where three Republicans joined all 29 Democrats to push through the repeal.
The bill now awaits Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs’ signature, with the governor indicating she will sign it quickly. This repeal comes after a landmark decision by the Arizona Supreme Court on April 9, which upheld the 1864 law that severely restricts abortions in the state. Repealing this restriction paves the way for the state’s 15-week limit on abortions to remain law.
Governor Hobbs welcomed the repeal but emphasized that the fight to protect reproductive healthcare in Arizona is far from over. Pro-life organization Susan B. Anthony (SBA) Pro-Life America expressed sadness over the end of the 1864 law and urged Arizona Republicans to defend the 15-week limit.
The Democratic campaign in Arizona plans to capitalize on the repeal, aiming to challenge the 15-week limit as unpopular and target vulnerable Republicans. The state’s Attorney General has requested an extension to decide on appealing the court’s decision further.
Additionally, pro-abortion activists in Arizona are pushing for a constitutional amendment that would establish a right to abortion, potentially allowing abortions up to around 24 weeks and beyond. This move is part of a broader effort in several states to codify the right to abortion.
Overall, the landscape of abortion laws in Arizona remains uncertain with ongoing legal battles and potential changes on the horizon.
