The Arizona Supreme Court has revived a near-total abortion ban in the Grand Canyon State – 200 days ahead of a crucial presidential election.
The law, whose origins can be traced back to 1864, bans abortion at any point in pregnancy and in all cases except to save a mother's life. (RELATED: Female Basketball Sensation: Transgender Athletes ‘Should Be Allowed To Play' In NCAA)
It provides no exceptions for rape or incest.
Per CNN:
The case is the latest high-profile example of the battle over abortion access that has played out across several states since Roe v. Wade was overturned by the US Supreme Court in 2022. Since that decision, nearly two dozen states have banned or limited access to the procedure. Providers have warned that restrictive policies on abortion access place patients at risk of poor health outcomes and doctors at risk of legal liability.
In a notice Monday, the Arizona court indicated it will file an opinion in Planned Parenthood of Arizona vs. Mayes/Hazelrigg at approximately 10 a.m. PT Tuesday.
Justices heard opening arguments in the case last December, when abortion rights opponents claimed the state should revert to the 1901 ban, and advocates asked the court to affirm the 2022 law allowing abortions up to 15 weeks, CNN previously reported.
When he signed the law in March 2022, then-Gov. Doug Ducey stated the 2022 law would not override the older law.
Today's ruling undoes the 15-week abortion ban signed by Ducey.
The reinstated ban will go into effect 14 days from today's ruling. It will make performing an abortion in Arizona a criminal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison.
A campaign is already underway to satisfy requirements for a public vote in November to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.
It is uncertain how the fallout may impact Arizona's status as a battleground state in the upcoming election. Still, speculation is rampant on social media.
Similar rulings seen as too restrictive have hurt Republicans, even in GOP strongholds. (RELATED: Democratic Candidate Wins Trump District In Alabama)
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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