Arizona’s Republican-controlled Senate is set to vote on repealing a Civil War-era abortion ban, following a similar motion that passed the state House. Three Republicans in the House joined all the Democrats in voting to repeal the law, which is now awaiting a Senate vote. If the repeal is signed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, a 2022 law that capped abortions at 15 weeks would eventually go into effect. The 14 Democrats in the state Senate are hoping to gain the support of at least two Republicans to pass the measure.
Last month, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the 1864 law banning nearly all abortions could go into effect, superseding a 15-week abortion ban put in place in 2022 by state Republicans. The court found that the 2022 ban was based on the existence of a federal constitutional right to abortion, and because it did not independently authorize abortion, the 1864 ban could be enforced. Former Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, who signed the 2022 law, criticized the court’s decision, along with U.S. GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake and former President Donald Trump.
Even if the Senate passes the repeal, it would not go into effect until 90 days after the legislature adjourns, while the 1864 law is set to go into effect on June 27. Democrats, who have been focusing on restoring abortion rights nationally, see Arizona as a key battleground state. Vice President Kamala Harris has tied the 1864 abortion ban and similar measures in other states to Trump, calling him “the architect of this health care crisis.” The outcome of the Senate vote will have significant implications for abortion rights in Arizona.
The debate over abortion in Arizona reflects broader national discussions on reproductive rights. Democrats and Republicans are sharply divided on the issue, with Democrats advocating for the protection and expansion of abortion rights, while Republicans seek to restrict access to abortion. The repeal of the 1864 law would mark a significant victory for abortion rights advocates in the state and could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar restrictions.
The upcoming Senate vote on the repeal of the Civil War-era abortion ban is expected to be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of abortion rights. If the repeal is passed and signed into law, it would represent a significant shift in Arizona’s abortion policy and could have far-reaching implications for reproductive rights in the state. The outcome of the vote will likely have political repercussions as well, shaping the landscape for future debates on abortion in Arizona and beyond.
