The Arizona House of Representatives has voted to repeal a controversial 1864 law that banned abortion in the state, with the support of three Republican members. The vote was 32-28, with the bill now heading to the Senate for further consideration.
The 1864 law was revived by a court ruling earlier this month, prompting immediate pushback from Democrats and reproductive rights advocates. The law prohibits nearly all abortions, allowing exceptions only to save the life of the pregnant woman.
Democratic Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, the sponsor of the bill to repeal the ban, expressed cautious optimism prior to the vote, stating that she had held phone conversations with Republican representatives who indicated their potential support.
Several Republican senators have already indicated their support for repealing the ban, signaling that the House bill is likely to pass that chamber and be sent to Governor Katie Hobbs for her signature. The repeal would take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session, which must be before June 30th.
The vote is a significant victory for abortion rights advocates, who have argued that the 1864 law is outdated and out of step with public opinion. The issue is likely to be put directly before voters in November’s election, as the Arizona for Abortion Access campaign is working to get a potential constitutional amendment on the state’s ballot to enshrine abortion access.
Despite the passage of the repeal bill in the House, some Republican lawmakers expressed strong objections, likening abortion to the killing of infants and equating it to slavery. The issue remains highly polarizing, with both sides likely to continue advocating their positions in the lead-up to the upcoming election.
