Abortion Access in Arizona Remains in Flux
In the wake of the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate an 1864 law banning abortions except when the mother’s life is at risk, abortion clinics in the state remain operational, navigating a complex legal and political landscape.
At the Camelback Family Planning clinic in Phoenix, patients continue to seek abortion services, facing an uncertain future. For Anna, a 24-year-old who discovered she was pregnant shortly after the ruling, the decision to have an abortion was a difficult one.
“I don’t consider myself financially able to care for a child,” Anna said, citing her desire for a stable home and future for her potential children.
Dr. Barbara Zipkin, who travels from California to provide services at Camelback, has witnessed the changing landscape of abortion access firsthand. She recalls the hope and excitement she felt when Roe v. Wade was enacted in 1973. “I worked for years as an OB-GYN in Los Angeles, specializing in genetics and performing a lot of second-trimester abortions,” she said. “But there are enough providers in L.A., Arizona is unique.”
Despite the legal uncertainty, abortion providers remain committed to providing care. Dr. Gabrielle Goodrick, founder of Camelback Family Planning, is hopeful that a constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion access will be on the November ballot. “People were pretty nervous and stressed that they’re not going to have a job until November,” she said.
On the sidewalk outside the clinic, anti-abortion activists like Matt Engelthaler are cautiously optimistic about the future of the law. “We accept it as a victory and we’re very excited,” said Engelthaler. “But we also realize that changing laws isn’t what’s gonna do anything, it’s just changing hearts. That’s what we pray for.”
As the political debate continues, the future of abortion access in Arizona remains uncertain. Patients and providers alike are navigating a complex and ever-changing legal landscape, with the ultimate outcome hanging in the balance.
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