Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs swiftly signed a bill repealing an 1864 law banning nearly all abortions just one day after the Senate passed the bill and sent it to her desk. Two Republican state senators joined Democrats in advancing the repeal, which passed 16 to 14. This move comes after the Arizona Supreme Court issued a ruling on April 9 that the state must abide by the 1864 law, which restricts all abortions except to save the life of the mother.
Governor Hobbs expressed her commitment to protecting reproductive freedoms, stating that politicians do not belong in the doctor’s office. Repealing the 1864 restriction allows the state’s 15-week limit to remain in place. Democrats are also planning to challenge the 15-week limit and promote a proposed amendment that would establish a constitutional right to abortion in Arizona.
Republican lawmakers are considering their own abortion-related proposals as alternatives to the Democratic-backed amendment. Attorney General Kris Mayes noted that the 1864 law would not be enforceable until June 27 at the earliest, due to ongoing litigation. The repeal will take effect 90 days after the Arizona legislature adjourns, leaving the state’s abortion laws in a temporary state of uncertainty.
Mayes has requested an additional 90 days to decide whether to appeal the court’s decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. The push and pull over abortion rights in Arizona continue to unfold, with potential changes looming on the horizon.
