This page was last updated on May 8, 2024.
The Arizona legislature passed a bill to remove the near-total abortion ban from the books, but this long-overdue repeal may not go into effect soon enough.
Arizona could still lose access to abortion care as early as September 26. Until then, a 15-week ban and other restrictions will continue to burden patients and providers.
2024 has proven to be another difficult year for people who need abortion care and providers in Arizona. Already, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a pre-statehood, near-total abortion ban from 1864 is enforceable. This decision compelled state lawmakers to finally repeal this archaic ban, but that bill did not include an emergency clause that would make it effective immediately. Weeks after the legislative repeal, the Arizona Supreme Court delayed enforcement of the near-total ban to grant Attorney General Mayes time to consider appealing the decision. Depending on when the legislative session adjourns, Arizona may briefly lose access to abortion services after September 26.
Arizona voters understand that everyone deserves the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions, including when to start or grow their family. Now, more than ever, the opportunity to enshrine the right to abortion in our state’s constitution has never been more necessary.
The ACLU of Arizona is committed to defending and expanding reproductive freedom and is a proud supporter of Arizona Abortion Access Act.
JOIN US: STAND UP AGAINST ABORTION BANS
Abortion bans hurt all of us, and we must keep fighting to ensure full access to care.
Arizonans have faced attacks to restrict abortion access for decades. Even before Roe v. Wade was overturned, state lawmakers passed many unnecessary restrictions on abortion that make this form of healthcare less safe and disproportionately impact the same people who have always faced systemic barriers to care — communities of color, people living on low-incomes, undocumented immigrants, young people, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities.
The ACLU of Arizona is committed to working with impacted communities, partners, and allies to protect comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion. We will continue to fight in the courts, in statehouses, in Congress, at the ballot box, and in communities across the state until everyone can access safe, affordable, and reliable care that is free from stigma.
HELP US PUT THE INITIATIVE ON THE BALLOT
