Democratic Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed a bill to repeal a Civil War-era ban on most abortions, marking the beginning of a broader effort to protect reproductive health care in the state. The 1864 law, which had been reinstated by the state Supreme Court, will be repealed 90 days after the legislative session ends.
Abortion rights advocates are hopeful that the courts will intervene to prevent confusion and ensure access to abortion across Arizona. The effort to repeal the ban gained bipartisan support, with two GOP lawmakers joining Democrats in the final vote.
Governor Hobbs denounced the ban, highlighting its origins in a time when women couldn't vote and America was at war over slavery. The repeal comes after Arizona's Supreme Court decision to restore the 1864 law, which allows abortions only if the mother's life is at risk.
The signing ceremony for the repeal was attended by mostly women lawmakers, who celebrated the milestone. In contrast, the debate in the Senate was emotional, with Republicans describing their motivations in personal and even biblical terms.
The repeal's impact on Arizona's abortion laws will be significant, as a 2002 statute banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy will become the state's prevailing law. The enforcement of the 1864 law in the interim is uncertain, with different groups providing conflicting interpretations.
Former Democratic state Rep. Athena Salman, who initially proposed the repeal in 2019, celebrated its approval, noting its significance for future generations. Arizona Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, another key figure in the repeal, shared personal experiences that influenced her stance on reproductive rights.
The repeal is seen as a positive development for women's healthcare in Arizona, reducing the need for women to travel out of state for abortion services. Governor Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes are expected to continue protecting women's rights in the state.