Arrr mateys, did ye hear? The Arizona Supreme Court be bringin' back an old 1864 abortion ban. Aye, 'tis a curious matter indeed!
2024-04-10
Arrr mateys, the Arizona Supreme Court be settin' sail on a law that be bannin' nearly all abortions! The only way to escape the plank be if the mother's life be in danger. Aye, 'tis a fine pickle we be in! Hoist the Jolly Roger!
The Arizona Supreme Court has given the go-ahead to enforce a law from 1864 that bans nearly all abortions, with no exceptions for rape or incest and only allowing abortions if the mother's life is in jeopardy. Doctors can now be prosecuted under this law, which was enacted before Arizona became a state. The decision overturned a previous ruling that doctors couldn't be charged for performing abortions within the first 15 weeks of pregnancy.Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich requested enforcement of the ban after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The law orders prosecution for anyone providing or administering substances to induce a miscarriage, with penalties of two to five years in prison.The ruling has political implications, with abortion access becoming a key issue in the 2024 presidential election and control of the U.S. Senate. President Joe Biden and Democrats are focused on restoring abortion rights, while former President Donald Trump and his allies have varying stances on the issue.Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is calling for the state Legislature to repeal the ban, but advocates are also working to establish a constitutional right to abortion through a voter referendum. This proposed amendment would guarantee abortion rights up to 24 weeks and allow for later abortions in certain circumstances.