Tempers flared in the Arizona House on Wednesday as Democrats’ attempts to repeal the state’s near-total abortion ban were thwarted by Republican leaders, leading to shouts of “Shame! Shame!” from outraged lawmakers.
The heated exchanges came just a day after the Arizona Supreme Court upheld an 1864 law banning almost all abortions, with no exceptions for rape or incest.
The ruling has sparked a political firestorm in the battleground state, which could play a pivotal role in determining control of the White House and Congress in the 2024 elections.
Democrats Push for Repeal Amid Public Backlash
Seizing on the public backlash against the court’s decision, Democratic lawmakers in both the House and Senate sought to force a vote on bills that would repeal the 19th-century abortion ban.
They argued that the law, which dates back to before Arizona was even a state, is out of step with the views of most Arizonans and poses a grave threat to women’s health and freedom.
“The people of Arizona have spoken loud and clear: they want to protect abortion access,” said State Senator Anna Hernandez, a Democrat from Phoenix. “It’s time for Republicans to listen to their constituents and join us in repealing this draconian ban.
“However, GOP leaders, who hold narrow majorities in both chambers, moved swiftly to block the Democrats’ efforts.
In the Senate, Republicans removed a repeal bill from the day’s agenda, while in the House, they called a recess and later adjourned until next week after a Republican lawmaker motioned to vote on a stalled Democratic proposal.
Outrage and Confusion Among Abortion Providers and Patients
The political standoff has left abortion providers and patients across Arizona in a state of confusion and fear.
Clinics have been inundated with calls from women unsure if they can still access abortion services, while doctors worry they could face prison time for providing care.
“This is a devastating blow to reproductive freedom in Arizona,” said Brittany Fonteno, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Arizona. “We will do everything in our power to ensure our patients can continue accessing the essential health care they need, but the reality is that many will now be forced to travel hundreds of miles or carry pregnancies against their will.
Republicans Face Pressure to Act as 2024 Election Looms
The court’s decision has also put Republicans in a difficult political position, with even some conservative lawmakers expressing unease about the scope of the 1864 ban.
GOP leaders are facing pressure to take action to clarify the law or reinstate a less restrictive 15-week ban passed last year.
“I don’t see why we wouldn’t move forward,” said State Senator T.J. Shope, a Republican from Coolidge. “At the very least, we need to provide some certainty for Arizonans about what the law actually is.
“However, it remains unclear if Republicans will allow any votes on abortion legislation before the session ends in the coming weeks.
With the 2024 election looming, many in the party are wary of further inflaming the debate over an issue that could energize Democratic voters and alienate moderates.
Abortion Rights Advocates Vow to Fight On
As the political battle rages on, abortion rights advocates are vowing to take the fight directly to voters in 2024.
A coalition of groups is already gathering signatures to put a measure on the November ballot that would enshrine abortion access in the Arizona Constitution. “We won’t stop fighting until every Arizonan can make their own decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures,” said Stacy Pearson, a Democratic strategist working on the ballot initiative. “If the legislature won’t act to protect our rights, then we’ll take our case straight to the people.
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