Results for: Abortion Rights

Arizona’s House of Representatives voted to repeal a near-total abortion ban, a move that came after mounting pressure from Democrats and even some Republicans who faced backlash from swing voters. The repeal, if approved by the Senate, would allow abortions up to 15 weeks. The vote comes amid a national debate over abortion rights, with the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court in June 2022 reigniting the issue. Arizona is one of several battleground states where the issue is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming elections.

During oral arguments in a case concerning the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), the women on the Supreme Court expressed concerns about how Idaho’s near-total abortion ban could impact pregnant women facing life-threatening emergencies. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, a Catholic abortion opponent, pressed Idaho Solicitor General Joshua Turner on what medical conditions qualify for emergency abortions under the state’s law.

In the lead-up to the November midterm elections, a Quinnipiac University poll reveals a growing support for abortion rights in the United States. A record 66% of Americans now favor legal abortion in some or all cases, with 34% believing it should be legal in all cases and 32% in most cases. Support for a complete ban on abortion has dropped to a historic low of 5%, while strong majorities support legality in cases involving the mother’s life or rape/incest. Democrats are leveraging this issue in their campaigns, warning of potential nationwide restrictions under Republican control. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has pledged to leave abortion decisions to individual states, drawing criticism from pro-life groups.

Conservative Supreme Court justices expressed skepticism about the constitutionality of state abortion bans that conflict with federal health care law during Wednesday’s oral arguments. However, some justices raised concerns about the impact such bans could have on emergency care for pregnant patients. The case is the first time the Supreme Court has considered the implications of a state abortion ban since overturning Roe v. Wade, which established the nationwide right to abortion. Idaho’s ban is one of 14 state laws that prohibit abortion at all stages of pregnancy. Despite allowing the ban to go into effect, even in medical emergencies, the court appeared divided on whether to carve out exceptions for cases where the pregnant patient’s health is at serious risk. The ruling, expected by late June, could have wide-ranging implications for access to abortion care in the United States.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a measure to allow Arizona doctors to provide abortions in California, a move aimed at circumventing Arizona’s restrictive abortion law that takes effect June 8. The bill would only apply to doctors licensed in good standing in Arizona and their patients, and would expire at the end of November. Newsom emphasized the importance of protecting access to abortions, which he described as a matter of basic decency and respect for women and girls. The proposal has been met with support from the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and advocates, who have condemned the Arizona law as ‘draconian.’

The Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday regarding the Biden administration’s mandate requiring hospitals receiving Medicare funding to provide abortions when necessary for stabilizing emergency room patients, despite stricter abortion bans in certain states like Idaho. Democratic leaders in Idaho’s Senate, Melissa Wintrow, and House, Ilana Rubel, expressed unease about the potential outcome, citing concerns over the state’s extreme abortion ban and its impact on healthcare access for women.

In a historic vote, three Republican representatives joined Democrats in the Arizona House on Wednesday to pass a bill repealing the state’s 1864 ban on abortions. The final vote was 32-28, sending the bill to the Senate for consideration. The move comes after a court ruling revived the ban earlier this month, allowing exceptions only to save the life of the pregnant woman.

During Wednesday’s Supreme Court hearing on Idaho’s abortion restrictions, Joshua Turner, representing the state, faced criticism from the female justices for his condescending and evasive responses. Justice Amy Coney Barrett expressed irritation at Turner’s refusal to acknowledge that Idaho’s law criminalizes abortion as stabilizing treatment, which EMTALA mandates. Turner’s inconsistencies and reluctance to provide clear answers raised concerns about the state’s prosecutorial discretion, potentially endangering doctors who provide essential care. The gender divide was evident as the male justices showed little reaction to Turner’s dismissive attitude, highlighting the different perspectives on women’s health and reproductive rights.

Governor Gavin Newsom of California has announced a proposal to provide access to abortions for Arizona patients in California, in response to Arizona’s restrictive abortion ban. The measure would apply to Arizona doctors in good standing and their patients, and would remain in effect until the end of November. Newsom emphasized the importance of protecting abortion access as a matter of decency and respect for women. The proposal requires a two-thirds vote in both houses of the California Legislature before it can become law.

A recent Quinnipiac University survey indicates that support for legal abortion in the United States has reached a record high, with 66% of voters expressing their support. This significant increase in support is corroborated by other surveys conducted in the past decade. Notably, 34% of voters now support legal abortion in all cases, a record high. These findings coincide with the increased importance voters are placing on abortion rights in the upcoming 2024 elections, as evidenced by a Bloomberg/Morning Consult survey. As voters in several states prepare to decide on restrictive abortion laws enacted in the wake of Roe v. Wade’s reversal, the issue remains a crucial factor in shaping voter opinions.