Two weeks and three attempts later, the Arizona House of Representatives finally repealed the near-total ban on abortion that dates back to 1864 and that was about to be restored by the state Supreme Court. They voted against it and they won by a close vote, thanks to a handful of Republicans. The final word is up to the state Senate, expected to vote on this bill on Wednesday.
Three of the Republicans–Reps. Tim Dunn (R-Yuma), Justin Wilmeth (R-Phoenix) and Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix)–encouraged by Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, supported the repeal. In a historic move, they gave a 32-28 margin to Democrats. It is important to note that the three of them are in districts at risk of losing in the November election, making abortion even more crucial for the 2024 campaign.
However, it would take another 90 days after the close of the legislative session for the repeal to go into effect. If Governor Hobbs signs the repeal, a 2022 law permitting abortions through 15 weeks of pregnancy would go back into effect.
Meanwhile Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayer told KJZZ, a local news radio, that he filed a motion on Tuesday, April 23, asking the Supreme Court to reconsider the 1864 law. It became legislation even before Arizona became an official state and bans nearly every case of abortion, including pregnancies following rapes and incests. It would become a felony punishable by two to five years in prison for those who perform one.
