Arizona Republicans on Wednesday stalled an effort to bring to a vote a near-total ban on abortion dating back to 1864, but the Arizona Supreme Court ruled this week that the bill is “enforceable.” handed down the verdict.
“Despite many members of their own party calling for repeal of the law, Republican leaders in the conservative-controlled Congress have said they will “carefully consider” the court’s decision and listen to their constituents. He said he would lean and decide the best course of action. , ABC News report.
Arizona Democrats sought to “leverage the decision” in response to Tuesday’s ruling and advance legislation to repeal the ban. new york times report.
“But Senate Republican leaders removed one bill from the day’s agenda Wednesday, legislative aides said. In the House, Republicans who had sought to repeal the law have stalled for months. I submitted a motion calling for a vote on the Democratic Party’s repeal bill. According to the report. “But Republican leaders quickly ended that effort by calling for an adjournment, which they then adjourned until next Wednesday. ”
According to ABC News, the effort to repeal the ban was started by state Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix), who then “along with other Republican lawmakers, briefly adjourned for recess before voting.” That’s what it means.
State Rep. Teresa Martinez, a Republican, criticized her Democratic colleagues for trying to force a vote the day after the ruling, according to the report.
“We don’t want to abolish the previous system.egg We passed the law without talking about it first,” she said in a floor speech. “There is no need to rush on this very important topic. We must listen thoroughly to all opinions. When our colleagues are acting as they have this morning, we You can’t do that.”
Both the Senate President and House Speaker are Republicans; issued The joint statement said the ruling probably won’t take effect for several weeks as the legal battle over the law continues with further debate over its constitutionality in lower courts.
In a statement to ABC News, Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Thoma said, “The Supreme Court ruled, but it was a ruling based solely on the letter of the law, not a statement of policy.” Ta.
“During this period, we will review court decisions, speak with our legislators, listen to our constituents, and determine the best course of action for the Legislature,” the state Senate president and House speaker said in a statement. .
Some prominent Republicans in Arizona, including Senate candidates, have significantly distanced themselves from the Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling. Lake Kali And a former governor. Doug Ducey. The decision was announced in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s statement that the state should ultimately decide on the issue of abortion.playing cards Said He told reporters Wednesday that he believes the 1864 law goes too far.
“It’s all about states’ rights, and that will be corrected,” Trump said. “I’m confident that the governor and everyone else is going to put this issue back on track, and I think it will be resolved soon.”
In announcing his position statement on abortion, President Trump said that while the issue often represents some form of deep moral choice for many voters, the Republican Party “must win elections in order to restore culture.” No,” he said. Like President Joe Biden’s campaign, Democrats are betting heavily on the abortion theme to boost turnout, using the issue to paint Republicans as “radical” and a threat to women.
The Arizona Supreme Court’s decision has angered Democrats, including Mr. Biden, who blamed the decision on the Republican Party’s “extreme agenda.” Vice President Kamala Harris also trip He will head to Arizona on Friday to promote reproductive health in the state.
“Arizona is considered a battleground state in the upcoming presidential election. In 2020, Harris and President Joe Biden defeated Trump in the state by less than half a percentage point.” arizona republic report. “In response, the White House has increased its presence in Arizona. The president, vice president, first lady, and several other campaign agents have been visiting Arizona since early March.”
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The 1864 law bans all abortions except to save the mother’s life and imposes prison sentences of two to five years for those who perform abortions. The judges heard arguments in the case, Arizona Planned Parenthood v. Mays/Haysarigasked in December and asked to answer whether Arizona’s 15-week abortion limit, passed in March 2022, overrides the old law.
The court did not rule on the constitutionality of the 1864 law, but did issue a 4-2 decision. decision There was one denial on Tuesday, finding the 1864 law to be “enforceable” beyond the new 15-week limit.
“We will consider whether the Arizona Legislature will be abolished or limited. [the old law] “By enacting a law that prohibits physicians from performing elective abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy,” Justice John Lopez wrote for the majority opinion. “This case involves legal interpretation and is not based on the justices’ moral or public policy views on abortion. [the old law’s] Constitutionality is not before us. ”
“Because there is no right to abortion enshrined in the federal constitution, [the fifteen-week limit] It does not independently sanction abortion, and there are no federal or state laws prohibiting abortion. [the 1864 law’s] Surgery. Accordingly, [the 1864 law] Now it’s enforceable,” Lopez continued.
The Arizona Supreme Court ultimately upheld the lower court’s decision to vacate the injunction against the near-total ban, but did not require full enforcement of the law to allow the parties to decide how to pursue further action. It was held for 14 days. The state high court also remanded the case to the trial court for possible consideration of remaining constitutional issues.
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The state Supreme Court’s decision comes as pro-abortion activists are working on an amendment that would create a constitutional right to abortion in Arizona.
Access to abortion in Arizona — union Groups including the ACLU of Arizona, Sexual and Reproductive Health Affirming Arizona List, Healthcare Rising Arizona, NARAL Arizona, and Arizona Family Planning Advocates far exceeded the 383,923 letters needed for the proposal. It was announced last week that it had collected more than 500,000 signatures. Amendment to qualify for November ballot. If the abortion bill passes on the November ballot, it would require a simple majority for passage.
Arizona is one of about a dozen states where pro-abortion activists are active. work Codifying the right to kill the unborn child.
Katherine Hamilton is a political reporter for Breitbart News. You can follow her at @thekat_Hamilton.
