Arizona will have a major reproductive rights measure on the ballot this fall, known as the Arizona for Abortion Access Act. The initiative, organized by a coalition of reproductive rights organizations, gathered a record-breaking number of signatures to secure a spot on the ballot as Proposition 139. This constitutional amendment would establish a fundamental right to receive abortion care up until fetal viability, with exceptions made after that to protect the life or health of the pregnant individual.
Opponents of the measure argue that the mental health exception included in the amendment could be broadly interpreted, potentially allowing for the termination of viable pregnancies too easily. The political debate over abortion access in Arizona has been intensified in light of the 2022 Dobbs decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which overturned Roe v. Wade.
In response to this decision, Arizona lawmakers had repealed a near-total ban on abortion dating back to 1864, leading to the current law allowing abortion up until the 15th week of pregnancy. However, approving Proposition 139 in November would effectively undo the 15-week ban, restoring and protecting the right to access abortion care in the state.
Despite the likely legal challenges that the ballot proposal will face, Arizona voters will have the opportunity to vote on this critical issue that will impact reproductive rights in the state for years to come.
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