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A U.S. Senate field hearing is scheduled in Phoenix to examine the impact of state laws on abortion patients and providers since the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, which allowed states to set their own abortion laws. The hearing, led by Sen. Laphonza Butler, will focus on the “patchwork” of state laws and their varying restrictions on abortion. In Arizona, the Dobbs decision has led to a significant decrease in the number of abortions performed, confusion and legal battles, and an upheld Civil War-era near-total ban on abortion which was later repealed.
US Senate Field Hearing on Abortion Set in Phoenix
A US Senate field hearing, led by Sen. Laphonza Butler, focusing on abortion is due in downtown Phoenix. The hearing, titled “Chaos and Confusion: Examining the Patchwork of Abortion Restrictions Across America Since Dobbs,” aims to assess the impact of various state laws on abortion patients and providers over two years since the US Supreme Court’s ruling in the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case.
Impact of Dobbs Decision
In the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, the Supreme Court ruled that states could establish their own abortion laws without a federal standard protecting abortion access. Sen. Butler stressed the importance of examining the consequences of this decision, as it has affected the “patchwork” of state laws regarding abortion in the US.
Effect of Dobbs Decision on Abortion in Arizona
In Arizona, the Dobbs decision resulted in confusion, a court battle and intermittent stops in abortion care. The number of abortions performed in Arizona decreased by about 18% from 2021 to 2022, according to the most recent state abortion report.
Arizona’s Abortion Laws
In 2024, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld a near total ban on abortion from the Civil War era with no exceptions for rape or incest. However, this law was later repealed by the Arizona Legislature. According to a December 2022 report from the Commonwealth Fund, states with restrictive abortion laws have fewer maternity care providers and higher rates of maternal and infant mortality.
Abortion Bans Across the US
Currently, fourteen states have total abortion bans, and seven, including Arizona, have bans within the first 18 weeks of gestation. Nine states and the District of Columbia have no bans or gestational limits on abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute.
Proposed Arizona Abortion Access Act
A proposed constitutional amendment, known as the Arizona Abortion Access Act, is expected to be on the November general election ballot. This would establish a “fundamental right” to obtain an abortion before viability.
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