Arizona's Historic Abortion Ban Sparks Controversy

Arizona DesertPhoto byDulcey LimaonUnsplash

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday the state must adhere to a 160-year-old law barring all abortions except in cases when “it is necessary to save” a pregnant person’s life. The ruling followed a period of time when challenges could be presented. (Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer was joined by Chief Justice Robert M. Brutinel in dissenting.)

Bringing back a law from before statehood for the 21st Century,k the law bans almost all abortions after 15 weeks, with NO exeptions for rape or incest victims.

Speaking in a news conference after the court’s decision was published, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes vowed, “No woman or doctor will be prosecuted under this draconian law … as long as I am attorney general. Not by me, nor by any county attorney serving in our state. Not on my watch.”

Women, it should be noted, were not allowed to vote when the original law was passed.

They can now, though!

The abortion rights measure has received enough signatures to be placed on the 2024 Ballot.

Both the Governor, Katie Hobbs, and President Biden, separately issued statements blasting the decision.

Biden said:

“Millions of Arizonans will soon live under an even more extreme and dangerous abortion ban, which fails to protect women even when their health is at risk or in tragic cases of rape or incest.”