The Arizona State House of Representatives has finally voted to repeal the near-total abortion ban that has been in place since 1864. The bill passed on Wednesday with the support of three Republicans, joining the 29 Democrats in the chamber. This is the third attempt by the House to pass the repeal bill, which had previously been blocked by Republicans.
The repeal is a significant victory for abortion rights advocates, who have been fighting to overturn the ban for years. The law made abortion a felony punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs one or helps a woman obtain one. It was upheld by the state Supreme Court earlier this month.
The passage of the repeal bill is a sign that the political landscape on abortion rights is changing. In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, voters in several states have passed ballot measures protecting abortion rights.
The Arizona repeal bill now goes to the state Senate, where it is expected to pass. Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs has said she will sign the bill into law.
The repeal of the abortion ban is a major victory for abortion rights advocates, but the fight is not over. Republicans in Arizona are already discussing ways to challenge the repeal, including putting forward alternative ballot measures.
The ongoing battle over abortion rights in Arizona is a reflection of the larger national debate on the issue. Abortion rights advocates are fighting to protect and expand access to abortion care, while anti-abortion activists are working to restrict or ban abortion. The outcome of this debate will have a major impact on the lives of women and families in Arizona and across the country.
In addition to the three Republicans who voted for the repeal, two other Republicans voted in favor of a motion to introduce the bill in the state Senate last week. This indicates that there is growing support for abortion rights among Republicans, even in conservative states like Arizona.
The repeal of the abortion ban is a significant step forward for abortion rights in Arizona. However, the fight is not over. Anti-abortion activists are likely to continue to challenge the repeal, and the issue of abortion rights will likely be a major focus of the 2024 election in Arizona.
