In a bold move that has shifted the course of reproductive healthcare in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs signed a bill repealing the state’s near-total abortion ban that dates back to the Civil War era. The historic law, which prohibited almost all abortions with the sole exception of saving the mother’s life, was originally established in 1864 and stood as one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion policies until this legislative action.
Hobbs, a Democrat, has made it abundantly clear that the move is more than just a policy change—it’s a crucial step toward expanding and protecting reproductive freedoms. As she signed the bill, Governor Hobbs emphasized the significance of the moment, stating, “Today we are doing what 23 governors and 55 legislatures refused to do, and I am so proud to be the ones that got this job done.” Her dedication to the cause is unequivocal as she affirmed, “I will do everything in my power to protect our reproductive freedoms because I trust women to make the decisions that are best for them.”
The governor’s action comes after a contentious period in which the 1864 law was reinstated by the Arizona Supreme Court, sparking an intense political scramble and public outcry. The repeal, which gained the final legislative approval with a 16-14 vote in the Senate, will not become effective until the fall, specifically 90 days after the legislative session ends around June or July. This means a 2002 statute banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy will subsequently become the governing law in Arizona.
Hobbs criticized the dated law as a draconian measure that threatened the lives of women and their bodily autonomy, calling for its repeal since the beginning of her administration. The governor also rebuked the historical context of the ban, noting it was “passed by 27 men before Arizona was even a state, at a time when America was at war over the right to own slaves, a time before women could even vote.”
The effort to overturn the ban saw cross-party collaboration, with a small number of GOP lawmakers joining Democrats to achieve this legislative victory. This bipartisan effort highlights a growing acknowledgment that access to abortion is a pressing issue, transcending political divides.
While the repeal marks a significant milestone, Governor Hobbs has made it clear that this is just the start of a longer battle for reproductive healthcare rights in Arizona. She has called on the legislature to pass the Arizona Right to Contraception Act and to protect IVF treatments from ongoing attacks. Hobbs further underscored the importance of continued vigilance by stating, “While this repeal is essential for protecting women’s lives, it is just the beginning of our fight to protect reproductive healthcare in Arizona.”
The road ahead remains complex, with the legal landscape of abortion access in the state poised to change several times over the coming months. Until the repeal goes into full effect, the 1864 law could still be enforced. After the repeal, the 15-week ban will be the operative law, unless a proposed constitutional amendment making its way to the November ballot is passed, which could enshrine broader abortion rights in the state’s Constitution.
As Arizona grapples with its legislative session timelines and the enforcement of abortion laws, Governor Hobbs and her administration continue to stand firm in their commitment to reproductive rights, signaling a new era for Arizona and setting a precedent for reproductive health policy nationwide.
Relevant articles:
– Arizona governor signs bill to repeal state’s 1864 near-total abortion ban, wsoctv.com, 05/04/2024
– Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has signed repeal of 1864 ban on nearly all abortions, The Associated Press, 05/03/2024
– Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signs repeal of 1864 abortion ban, NBC News, 05/02/2024
– Ariz. governor signs repeal of 1864 abortion ban, but law may still temporarily take effect, ABC News, 05/02/2024
– Governor Katie Hobbs Signs Bill into Law Officially Repealing 1864 Abortion Ban, azgovernor, 05/02/2024