Radical Arizona Ballot Measure Aims To Eliminate 15-Week Abortion Ban
Arizona voters will soon decide on Proposition 139, a proposed amendment that would enshrine the right to abortion throughout pregnancy in the state constitution. This measure, backed by a coalition including the ACLU of Arizona, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, and NARAL Arizona, aims to eliminate the current 15-week abortion restriction.
If passed, Proposition 139 would declare that “every individual has a fundamental right to abortion” and would limit state interference with this right. It specifies that the state cannot deny or restrict access to abortion before fetal viability unless there is a compelling state interest achieved by the least restrictive means. Additionally, after fetal viability, abortions would still be permitted if deemed necessary by a healthcare professional for the life or health of the pregnant individual.
Currently, Arizona law restricts abortions after 15 weeks, with exceptions for the life of the mother and serious medical emergencies. This law was recently complicated when the Arizona Supreme Court allowed an 1864 near-total abortion ban to take effect, though Governor Katie Hobbs signed a bill to repeal it shortly after.
Opponents of Proposition 139, including Arizona Right to Life, argue that the amendment could undermine parental consent laws, allowing minors to obtain abortions without parental knowledge. They also raise concerns about potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly given Arizona’s status as a border state.
The measure requires a simple majority to pass in the upcoming election.
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