Arizona Republican lawmakers again quash effort to repeal 1864 abortion ban

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Arizona Republicans Block Efforts to Repeal 1864 Abortion Ban

**Arizona Republican lawmakers** have once again thwarted attempts to repeal a near-total abortion ban from 1864 that was upheld by the state’s Supreme Court. The rejection came despite mounting pressure from former President Donald Trump and Arizona GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake.

Quick Facts

  • Arizona Republican lawmakers rejected a Democratic-led effort to repeal a near-total abortion ban from 1864 upheld by the state’s Supreme Court.
  • Demand for the ban’s repeal stemmed from mounting pressure on state Republicans, including from former President Donald Trump and Arizona GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake.
  • Democratic lawmakers faced an uphill battle due to the narrow two-seat majority held by Arizona Republicans in both legislative chambers.

Wednesday’s proceedings marked the latest chapter in the fight over abortion rights in the crucial battleground following the Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling last week that allowed a Civil War-era law in Arizona to stand. The law outlaws abortion from the moment of conception but includes an exception to save the woman’s life and makes it a felony punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs or helps a woman obtain one. The bombshell decision has added Arizona to the growing list of places where abortion care is effectively banned, prompting furious efforts from Democrats to repeal the ban while Republicans discuss possible contingencies.

Following last week’s state Supreme Court ruling, Arizona Republicans who had previously celebrated the end of federal protections for the procedure sought political cover by distancing themselves from the decision, including U.S. Reps. David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani.

Despite the failed repeal efforts, voters are likely to have the power this November to decide on the future of the ban themselves. Abortion rights groups are likely to succeed in their goal of putting a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would create a “fundamental right” to receive abortion care up until fetal viability, or about the 24th week of pregnancy.

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