Most abortions banned in Arizona after state Supreme Court upholds 1864 law
Apr 9, 2024, 3:40 PM | Updated: Apr 17, 2024, 4:59 pm
FILE - Thousands of protesters march around the Arizona Capitol after the Supreme Court decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion decision Friday, June 24, 2022, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
PHOENIX – Abortions are essentially being banned in Arizona after the state Supreme Court issued a highly anticipated ruling Tuesday that turned the clock back to a law passed in 1864.
The state’s highest court overturned a December 2022 appeals court decision that said doctors couldn’t be prosecuted under the pre-statehood abortion ban.
As a result, it will be illegal to perform an abortion in Arizona except when necessary to save the life of the mother. The 1864 law carries a sentence of 2-5 years in prison for doctors or anyone else who assists in an abortion.
Abortion has been legal in Arizona up to 15 weeks of pregnancy under the appeals court decision. Tuesday’s ruling has been awaited since the state Supreme Court heard arguments four months ago.
How did Arizona abortion rights advocates respond to ruling?
Arizona officials who champion abortion rights were stunned by the decision.
“My message to Arizonans is this: I will not rest, and I will not stop fighting until we have fully secured the right to reproductive health care in our state. I refuse to let radical politicians take control over women’s bodies,” Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a statement.
