Arizona Senate Votes to Repeal 160-Year-Old Near-Total Abortion Ban
In a historic move, the Arizona Senate has voted to repeal a 160-year-old near-total abortion ban. The repeal bill received support from two Republicans, advancing it to the desk of Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs for signing.
If signed into law, the repeal would clear the way for the state’s 15-week limit to remain in effect. Prominent Republicans, including former Gov. Doug Ducey and former President Donald Trump, have called for the ban to be moderated.
The repeal comes after a court decision revived the pre-Roe ban, which has been stayed. The repeal would not go into effect until 90 days after the legislature adjourns.
Abortion rights advocates see the repeal as a culmination of years of activism. Democrats plan to target vulnerable House Republicans over their past anti-abortion votes.
However, abortion opponents have rallied at the state capitol in recent weeks to protest against the repeal. The discussion on the repeal vote grew contentious and emotional, with Democrats and Republicans holding differing views on the 1864 law.
Some Republicans have invoked faith and rejected the idea of repealing the territorial ban. Democratic state Sen. Eva Burch, who recently had an abortion for a failed pregnancy, spoke in favor of the repeal vote.
The headline and story have been updated with additional developments. Stay tuned as this historic repeal moves closer to becoming law in Arizona.
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