Arizona Repeals Civil War-Era Abortion Ban
Arizona is making history as it officially repeals the Civil War-era ban on nearly all abortions, effective starting Saturday.
The repeal comes after a series of events that saw the Arizona Supreme Court initially allowing the enforcement of the 1864 law that criminalized most abortions. However, state lawmakers subsequently voted to repeal the law for good.
Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed the bill in May, emphasizing the importance of protecting reproductive health care in the state.
The decision to repeal the ban reflects a larger nationwide debate on abortion rights following the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Arizona voters will now have a chance to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution.
The Repeal Process
The road to repeal was not without obstacles, as Republican lawmakers initially blocked efforts to undo the ban. However, with bipartisan support, the legislation was eventually passed, marking a significant victory for reproductive rights advocates.
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