The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that the state must adhere to a 160-year-old law that bans all abortions except when necessary to save a pregnant person’s life. The law, dating back to 1864, carries a prison sentence for abortion providers, making Arizona one of the states with the strictest abortion laws in the country. The court has delayed enforcement to allow for challenges on the law’s constitutionality. Planned Parenthood Arizona and other advocates have opposed the ruling, warning of dire consequences for patients seeking abortion in the state. Governor Katie Hobbs and President Joe Biden have criticized the decision, emphasizing the need to protect reproductive freedoms.
The ruling comes after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, leading to legal battles over abortion access in several states. The Arizona Supreme Court decision means criminal sanctions may now apply for abortions performed after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The ongoing debate highlights the societal divide over reproductive rights and the impact of restrictive abortion laws on patients and providers. Efforts are underway to enshrine abortion rights in Arizona’s constitution through a 2024 ballot measure, giving voters the final say on the issue. Healthcare professionals and advocates remain committed to fighting for access to essential reproductive healthcare despite the court ruling.
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