Arizona GOP Thwarts Abortion Appeal: Impact on Health Care
TL/DR –
Despite pressure from conservatives including former President Trump, Republican lawmakers in Arizona blocked a Democratic bid to repeal an 1864 abortion ban. Only one Republican, state Rep. Matt Gress, voted in favor of the repeal bill with the majority blocking it on procedural grounds. Abortion rights advocates are gathering signatures for a referendum to protect access until the point of fetal viability, claiming that reinstatement of the 1864 ban has boosted their cause.
Conservatives’ Pressure Fails to Overturn Arizona’s Abortion Ban
Despite calls to overturn Arizona’s abortion ban by prominent conservatives, including former President Trump and Senate hopeful, Kari Lake, GOP leaders continue to uphold it. This illustrates the ongoing division among Republicans on abortion, which Democrats are leveraging.
Procedural Move by Democrats Shut Down by GOP
State House Democrats attempted to suspend House rules and instigate floor consideration of the repeal bill. However, the Republican majority quashed this attempt. Only Republican state Rep. Matt Gress voted favorably for the bill’s consideration.
House Speaker’s Perspective on Rushing Abortion Bill
House Speaker Ben Toma (R) expressed his opposition to rushing the bill. He acknowledged the complex ethical and moral dimensions of abortion and urged respect for strongly held beliefs on the issue.
Future Opportunities to Repeal the Ban
Arizona lawmakers have another opportunity to vote on the repeal next week. Should the 1864 ban be overturned, the law would revert to the 15-week ban passed in 2022.
National Reaction to Abortion Ban Reinstatement
The state Supreme Court’s decision to reinstate the 1864 ban last week spurred national controversy and forced many Republicans, who deem abortion morally indefensible, to reevaluate their stance.
Efforts to Safeguard Abortion Rights
Advocates of abortion rights are gathering signatures for a referendum to protect access until the point of fetal viability, or roughly 24 weeks of pregnancy. The resurgence of the 1864 ban is believed to have given this movement momentum.
Prior Attempts at Repealing the Ban
Last week, Republicans thwarted a similar effort to repeal the ban. The controversial law has been a source of constant criticism from Democrats, leading Republicans like Trump and Lake to recognize the potential political fallout.
Vote Blocked on Procedural Grounds
On Wednesday, Republicans effectively blocked a motion by Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D) to vote on the repeal, citing procedural grounds.
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