Arizona takes a significant step toward repealing a 160-year-old abortion ban after the state’s House voted in favor of the repeal, marking a major victory for Democrats.
The ban, which prohibits abortions from conception without exceptions for rape or incest, has faced opposition from Republicans. However, three Republican members broke ranks and voted for the repeal in the narrowly divided House.
The repeal effort now heads to the Senate, where there is optimism for its passage, especially after two Republican senators previously voted to advance a similar bill.
Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, has indicated her support for the repeal and willingness to sign the bill into law if it reaches her desk.
The urgency to repeal the ban has increased following a recent ruling by the state’s supreme court, which revived the 1864 law. This decision sparked national outcry, particularly in a country where public opinion generally favors abortion access.
For Republicans, the ban poses a political dilemma, especially with looming general elections. While some, like former President Donald Trump, have distanced themselves from the ban and called for compromise, others, including Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma, have defended it staunchly.
Despite internal party divisions, the repeal garnered bipartisan support, with legislators acknowledging the ban’s impracticality and its misalignment with Arizona’s values.
However, some Republicans who voted for the repeal, like Matt Gress, faced consequences from party leadership.
If the repeal effort succeeds in the Senate, the 1864 ban will be lifted, and Arizona’s existing 15-week abortion ban will remain in effect.
Alternatively, if the repeal fails, the 1864 ban will be reinstated, unless Arizona voters have the opportunity to decide on a ballot initiative aimed at protecting abortion rights up to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
