TL/DR –
The Arizona Legislature has failed to remove the state’s 1864 anti-abortion law from the books, which provides no exceptions for rape or incest and can result in imprisonment for those facilitating an abortion. The Republican-controlled Legislature finds itself in a difficult situation as many GOP members were elected with the help of powerful anti-abortion lobbyist Cathi Herrod and her organization, The Center for Arizona Policy. If these Republicans vote to abolish the old law, they risk facing primary challenges in the next election, yet if they maintain the law, they are seen as putting politics over potential victims of rape or incest.
Arizona’s Abortion Bill Fiasco: Elected Officials Prioritize Politics over Constituents
The Arizona Legislature continues to prioritize individual political agendas over the welfare of constituents, especially victims of rape and incest. This is evident in their inability to repeal the outdated 1864 anti-abortion bill, which makes no exceptions for rape or incest victims and could lead to imprisonment for facilitators. Read more about the Arizona anti-abortion bill here.
The Republican-controlled Legislature is politically cornered. As noted by The Arizona Republic’s Laurie Roberts, Cathi Herrod of The Center for Arizona Policy, a formidable anti-abortion lobbyist, has warned Republicans against repealing the law.
Herrod’s organization has played a significant role in many Republican electoral victories. Any defiance could result in a primary challenge and loss in the next election cycle.
Republicans Struggle to Find a Winning Strategy on Abortion
Republicans who vote to repeal the old law could face a dilemma. If they support the return to the law signed by former Gov. Doug Ducey, which allows abortions up to 15 weeks of pregnancy, they could be labeled as abortion supporters. Such a move would contradict their previous anti-abortion rhetoric, making them appear insincere.
A vote to repeal the 1864 law could equally lead to a primary challenge and defeat in the next election. It seems the lawmakers are prioritizing politics over potential victims.
Politics Over Potential Victims
The initiative to restore reproductive health care rights is expected on the November ballot. This will effectively take the issue of abortion out of politicians’ hands. However, there is a pressing need to prevent the 1864 law from being implemented before then.
Currently, lawmakers are unable to do the right thing as they are more focussed on a political “win” than the welfare of their constituents. This is a clear case of politics taking precedence over potential victims of rape or incest.
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