On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court made a landmark decision that could have far-reaching implications for women’s reproductive rights in the state. The court ruled to uphold a near-total ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, with exceptions only in cases of medical emergency.
The controversial law, known as SB 1457, was passed by the Arizona legislature earlier this year and immediately faced legal challenges from abortion rights advocates. The law not only bans abortions after 15 weeks, but also imposes strict regulations on providers and requires them to conduct an ultrasound and offer the patient the opportunity to view the fetus and hear its heartbeat.
The decision to uphold the law has sparked outrage among pro-choice activists, who argue that it violates the landmark Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which established a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion. They also argue that the law disproportionately affects low-income women and women of color, who may face barriers in accessing abortion care earlier in their pregnancies.
In a statement following the ruling, Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said, “This cruel law forces people to continue pregnancies against their will, in violation of their fundamental constitutional rights. It is an egregious attack on reproductive rights and a violation of established law.”
Despite the outcry from pro-choice advocates, the Arizona Supreme Court defended its decision, citing concerns about fetal viability and the state’s interest in protecting potential life. Justice Clint Bolick, who wrote the majority opinion, argued that the law did not impose an “undue burden” on women seeking abortions, as there were still opportunities for them to terminate a pregnancy earlier in the gestational period.
The ruling in Arizona comes at a time when the future of Roe v. Wade is in question, with the conservative majority on the Supreme Court hinting at potential changes to the landmark decision. Many fear that the Arizona decision could set a dangerous precedent for other states seeking to restrict access to abortion.
With reproductive rights under threat across the country, activists are vowing to continue fighting for women’s autonomy and access to safe and legal abortion care. They are calling on lawmakers and the courts to uphold the principles of Roe v. Wade and protect the rights of women to make their own healthcare decisions.
