Topline
Arizona lawmakers rejected a motion Wednesday to consider repealing the state’s Civil War-era abortion ban, the latest failed effort to overturn the ban amid calls from President Donald Trump and other Republicans to repeal the law.
Key Facts
The Arizona House of Representatives—which requires a majority—voted 30-30 for a motion to consider repealing the abortion ban.
Rep. Mike Gress was the only Republican to join the Democrat-led vote to approve House Bill 2677, a bill introduced earlier this year as a “clear repeal” of the 160-year-old law.
It is unclear whether lawmakers—who adjourned for recess—will vote again to consider repealing or debating the abortion ban.
What To Watch For
A ballot initiative securing the right to abortion in the state could nullify the ban if voters approve in November.
Chief Critic
Republican House Speaker Ben Toma said about the vote: “The last thing we should be doing today is rushing a bill through the legislative process to repeal a law that has been enacted and affirmed by the legislature several times.” He added he hoped other lawmakers would “respect the fact that some of us believe abortion is, in fact, the murder of children.”
Key Background
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled earlier this month the state could enforce an 1864 law that enforces a near-total ban on abortion. The law makes it a felony to perform an abortion unless the mother’s life is in danger, with a punishment of up to five years in prison. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs criticized the ruling upholding the “draconian” abortion ban and said the law would not be enforced. Trump called on Republican lawmakers in Arizona to “act immediately” to overturn the ban to “remedy what has happened.” Kari Lake, the Republican candidate in Arizona’s Senate race, disagreed with the ruling, requesting Hobbs and lawmakers to “come up with an immediate common sense solution.” President Joe Biden said the ban was “cruel” and the “result of the extreme agenda of Republican elected officials who are committed to ripping away women’s freedom.”
Further Reading