The Arizona Senate is expected to vote on a bill to repeal the state’s 1864 ban on abortion, which could take effect within weeks if approved. The bill has already passed the Arizona House with bipartisan support, and it appears to have enough votes to pass the Senate, despite Republicans holding a slim majority.
If the bill is passed, it will be sent to Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, who has expressed her intention to sign it into law. This move would be a significant development in the ongoing debate over women’s reproductive rights in the United States.
The 1864 law was revived by a state Supreme Court ruling on April 9, and unless the legislature intervenes, it could take effect within 60 days. However, even if the ban is repealed, restrictions on abortion would still be in place, as Arizona passed a law in 2022 banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Democrats in Arizona are committed to continuing their efforts to restore abortion rights, with plans to place a ballot measure before voters in November. The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for the state and the country, as Arizona is a key battleground state in the upcoming presidential election.
