In a significant development, Arizona Republicans joined ranks with Democrats on Wednesday to pass a bill that would repeal a centuries-old law imposing a near-total ban on abortion. This legislative breakthrough came after two previous attempts to pass the bill earlier this month. The latest effort garnered the support of three Republicans, resulting in a narrow 32-28 vote in favor of the measure. It now heads to the Republican-controlled Senate for further consideration.
The current law in Arizona makes it a felony to perform an abortion, but an April ruling by the state Supreme Court struck down the ban, asserting that the state constitution does not establish a right to abortion. This ruling sparked widespread backlash from prominent Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, who deemed it out of touch with voter sentiment.
Now, the passage of this bill represents a potential shift in the political landscape surrounding abortion rights in Arizona. If the bill is signed into law by Governor Katie Hobbs, the state’s previous law banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy would be reinstated. However, the bill must first navigate the Arizona Senate, where Republicans hold a slim 16-14 majority. The upcoming Senate deliberations will be closely watched as the fate of abortion access in Arizona hangs in the balance.
