1 week ago
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by Gloria Rebecca Gomez, Arizona Mirror
Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes, both staunch reproductive rights advocates who ran on promises to protect abortion access, unveiled a website on Thursday that includes information on Arizona’s changing abortion laws and connects women seeking a procedure with providers.
The website’s launch follows a month of turmoil in the political arena and uncertainty for healthcare providers across the state after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled to reinstate a near-total abortion ban from 1864.
The law, which was passed before Arizona became a state, threatens doctors with a minimum of 2 years in prison for performing an abortion for any other reason than saving a woman’s life. That punishment isn’t expected to be enforceable until June 8 due to court orders that delay the ruling’s effect. Until then, a 15-week limitation on abortion is the law of the land.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Hobbs said the new website, which is a part of her official Arizona governor’s website, serves as an educational tool to keep Arizonans informed amid the shifting legal landscape.
“The Arizona Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the 1864 total abortion ban left millions of women and doctors wondering what their rights are when seeking or providing reproductive health care. I’m proud to deliver this comprehensive website to provide timely updates, trusted resources, and a safe venue to seek reproductive health care options,” she wrote.
“In the wake of the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision to reimpose a near-total abortion ban from 1864, it is important for us to provide accurate, up-to-date information to Arizonans,” echoed Mayes.
The website acknowledges that the legal status of abortions in Arizona is not yet settled.
“The earliest the 1864 near-total abortion ban could take effect is June 8, 2024. This page will be updated as we learn more,” reads a banner at the top of the FAQ webpage.
