Blitz Bureau
PHOENIX: Reproductive rights advocates sued Arizona on December 3 to undo a 15-week abortion ban that conflicts with a constitutional amendment recently approved by voters to expand access up to foetal viability, reported Associated Press.
The American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood and the Center for Reproductive Rights filed the lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court on behalf of the local chapter of Planned Parenthood and two physicians, arguing the law interferes with pregnant Arizonans’ fundamental right to abortion and individual autonomy. It’s the first step in efforts to dismantle existing laws they say are too restrictive.
The Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature approved the 15- week ban months before the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes agreed not to enforce the 15-week ban while the lawsuit plays out, spokesperson Richie Taylor said Tuesday.
Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a statement Tuesday that the ban should be removed from the books.
“Arizonans made it clear that they support reproductive freedom, and there is no question that a ban with no exceptions for rape or incest should be removed from our laws,” she said, adding that she is “glad Arizonans are working to finish the job and enforce the constitutional protections we now enjoy.”
The lawsuit also seeks to undo the ban’s enforcement mechanisms, which could lead to criminal charges against providers who knowingly or intentionally perform abortions beyond 15 weeks except in medical emergencies. Physicians who violate the ban could face suspension or revocation of their medical licences.
Arizona was one of five states where voters approved ballot measures in the 2024 general election to add the right to an abortion to their state constitutions.
