The Arizona Senate voted on Wednesday to repeal the state's 1864 ban on abortion, a law that was set to take effect within weeks if not overturned.
The repeal passed with a 16-14 vote and is anticipated to be promptly signed by Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat. This decision saw two Republican senators crossing party lines to support the repeal. The Arizona House had previously passed the measure, with several Republicans breaking ranks to join Democrats in sending it to the Senate.
Senator Eva Burch, a Democrat, emphasized the need to repeal what she called a "bad law," highlighting its origins in a time when women were denied the right to vote.
On the other hand, Republican Senator Wendy Rogers defended her vote to uphold the 1864 ban, stating it aligned with Arizona's conservative values. She argued for the sanctity of life, asserting that the law's recognition of life beginning at conception in 1864 should continue in 2024.
This contentious issue has brought the spotlight to Arizona, a state deeply divided between Democrats and Republicans. The state's recent history reflects the broader national debate on reproductive rights, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision to allow states to determine abortion laws, leading conservative-leaning states to enact stringent abortion bans.
Democrats, feeling public sentiment is on their side regarding abortion rights, are strategically pushing this issue ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Arizona, a pivotal battleground, is at the forefront of this battle.
Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, plans to leverage what she perceives as the "extreme nature" of Arizona's Republicans in the upcoming elections. Republicans like Rogers acknowledge the political stakes but prioritize what they believe is morally right.
The 1864 law, reactivated by a state Supreme Court ruling, was set to be enforced within 60 days without legislative intervention, according to state Attorney General Kris Mayes. Despite this repeal, Arizona still upholds restrictions on abortion, including a 15-week abortion ban passed in 2022.
Arizona Democrats intend to keep pushing for a ballot measure in November that would reinstate abortion rights.