Phoenix, Arizona – In a historic move, the Arizona House of Representatives successfully passed a bill repealing a 1864 law that nearly bans all abortions in the state, except in cases to save the life of the mother. This marks the third attempt to repeal the law in as many weeks, as previous attempts were blocked by Republican opposition.
The bill passed by a narrow margin of 32-28, with some Republican state representatives breaking ranks to join Democrats in voting for the repeal. The measure will now head to the Senate, where it will require the support of at least two Republicans to pass. Despite the Senate already moving forward on a similar repeal bill, the process may still take time, with the territorial ban potentially remaining in effect for weeks or even months.
The 1864 law also imposed jail time for physicians performing abortions and did not include exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The decision to repeal the law comes after the Arizona Supreme Court upheld it three weeks ago, sparking a national debate on abortion access and drawing criticism from various political figures.
The repeal of the law signals a potential shift in the conservative landscape of Arizona, with some Republicans facing backlash for continuing to support the stringent abortion restrictions. State Rep. Alexander Kolodin spoke out against prioritizing politics over morality, emphasizing the importance of protecting life above all else.
As Arizona becomes a focal point in the ongoing debate over abortion rights, the outcome of the Senate vote on the repeal bill remains uncertain. The potential repeal could have far-reaching implications for reproductive rights in the state and may impact future political dynamics in this crucial swing state.