Arizona lawmakers are gearing up for another attempt on Wednesday to repeal the state’s 1864 abortion ban, which was recently upheld by the State Supreme Court. This ruling has intensified the personal emotions and political controversies surrounding abortion in a battleground state.
The court’s decision to uphold the Civil War-era law, which prohibits almost all abortions, has angered supporters of abortion rights and poses a significant political challenge for Republicans, who have a narrow majority in both houses of the State Legislature.
Initial efforts by Democrats to repeal the ban were unsuccessful. A Republican member of the House aligned with Democrats to propose a repeal, but G.O.P. leadership adjourned, postponing any action for a week as the Legislature currently only convenes on Wednesdays.
With a second repeal attempt on the horizon, both parties are working to secure enough votes and strategize legislative tactics to determine if Democrats can garner sufficient Republican support to overturn the law.
Former President Donald J. Trump has urged legislators to take immediate action to address the court’s decision, while Democrats have criticized the ban as a reflection of Republican extremism in a crucial state for the upcoming election. The ban only allows an exception to save the life of the mother, and doctors who violate the law could face fines and prison sentences.
Democrats likely need just a few Republicans to join them in repealing the law. Activists and lobbyists are working behind the scenes to sway or retain the handful of Republican lawmakers whose votes could determine the fate of the law. Various procedural factors could also impact the chances of a repeal moving forward. If the House successfully passes a repeal, it will proceed to the Senate later on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Democrats gained a new House member, Junelle Cavero, appointed by the Board of Supervisors in Maricopa County. With her vote, Republicans will hold a 31-29 majority in the House. The court ruling and subsequent backlash have exposed divisions among Arizona Republicans regarding their stance on abortion restrictions.
The Center for Arizona Policy and other anti-abortion groups have been urging Republicans to uphold the law, while Democrats and abortion rights supporters are pushing for its repeal.
Supporters and opponents of the 1864 ban are planning conflicting protests at the Capitol as the Legislature convenes on Wednesday.
Kim Miller, founder of Arizona Women for Action and a supporter of the ban, has called on her group to attend the floor sessions peacefully.
Abortion rights advocates are expected to speak before the Senate convenes, urging lawmakers to repeal the ban and emphasizing the need to protect individual freedoms.
Jack Healy contributed to this report.
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