Arizona Abortion Ban

PHOENIX -- On Tuesday, April 9, the highest court in Arizona allowed preparation for the enforcement of a law that bans nearly all abortions. This law drastically alters females’ legal ability to terminate a pregnancy.

It prohibits abortion from the moment of conception, except when necessary to save the life of the mother. There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

Arizona’s Supreme Court remarked that doctors could be prosecuted under the 1864 law, though the opinion written by the court’s majority did not definitively confirm that.

The high court stated that enforcement of the law would not begin for at least two weeks. Alternatively, those initiating legal action suggest that the enforcement could take up to two months.

Enforcement of the law is delayed due to a hold that allows a lower court to hear additional arguments regarding constitutionality.

The ruling could force clinics in the state of Arizona to refrain entirely from providing abortions. Compulsions would arise, resulting in women traveling to nearby states such as California, New Mexico, or Colorado to terminate their pregnancies.

Through the legislative or initiative process the ban could be overturned.

Additionally, there is room for advocacy efforts to suggest lawmakers either repeal or amend the law.

Hannah Neurohr is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email hmn5264@psu.edu