The Arizona Abortion Access Act has received majority support, but when will it become effective?
Abortion care in Arizona is set to undergo significant changes, and proponents of Proposition 139 are hailing it as a major victory.
Chris Love emphasized that this approach is not only the best but also the sole method to safeguard abortion access in our state.
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Love played a crucial role in the development and promotion of the measure, successfully getting it on the ballot. This was a project that Love dedicated two years of her life to, driven by a deep passion for the cause. She is grateful for the immense support from both political parties, which has effectively restored women’s rights.
She said that everyone agrees with us on the fundamental concept that patients should have the autonomy to make decisions regarding their reproductive healthcare in consultation with their healthcare providers, free from government interference.
The approval of Proposition 139 has resulted in the amendment of the state constitution, enabling abortions to be performed until the point of fetal viability, typically around 24 weeks. This marks a significant change from the current Arizona law, which permits abortions only up to 15 weeks. Proposition 139 includes exceptions aimed at safeguarding the life and well-being of pregnant individuals, whether it be their physical or mental health. It is worth noting that those aiding in the process of an abortion will not face any penalties under this proposition.
“We will put in a tremendous amount of effort to not only ensure the successful implementation of this amendment, but also to safeguard the integrity of our direct democracy system,” Love expressed with determination.
The official implementation of this could still be pending as results are currently being calculated.
Victoria Lopez expressed that the magnitude of the win goes beyond what can be described as historic. She emphasized that numerous individuals across the nation had their attention fixed on Arizona and the result of Proposition 139, showing their unwavering support for it.
As the Director of Program and Strategy at the ACLU of Arizona, Lopez explains that a clear process will now be implemented.
We are currently waiting for the certification of the election results. Once that is complete, the Governor will issue a proclamation, as we are dealing with a constitutional amendment to the Arizona State Constitution.
It is worth noting that there is a limited timeframe for contesting the results. However, the chances of this proposal failing to be enacted into law are minimal.
According to Lopez, the approval of the voters paves the way for ensuring its inclusion in the state constitution.
According to Love, the signing of Proposition 139 by Governor Katie Hobbs at the end of the month will be a monumental event.
“This is an unequivocal triumph for the residents of Arizona,” she expressed. “Particularly individuals who have the ability to conceive, and healthcare providers who offer abortion services, can now find solace in the fact that Proposition 139 has been successfully passed, solidifying these safeguards within our state constitution.”
Arizona currently has numerous abortion restrictions and laws in effect that will inevitably clash with Proposition 139 once the state constitution is modified. It is highly probable that we will witness legal battles aimed at overturning these existing regulations as well.
12News also contacted the It Goes Too Far Campaign, a group that has expressed opposition to the measure. In response, they issued the following statement:
Today marks the beginning of a perilous era for girls and women in Arizona as it joins California in enacting an unrestricted and boundless abortion law.
This outcome is not a reflection of Arizonans being radical on abortion, but rather a consequence of a deceitful campaign that bombarded them with falsehoods, manipulated their fears, and withheld crucial information. The passage of Prop 139 follows a $35 million deception campaign that shamelessly lied to voters about existing abortion laws and the care provided for pregnancy complications.
Leisa Brug, the Campaign Manager for “It Goes Too Far,” attributes the success of the proponents’ misinformation to unchallenged lies. She states, “Proponents repeatedly misled Arizona voters by falsely claiming that there was a ban on abortion and that doctors could only treat women for miscarriages or late-term complications when their lives were in immediate danger. None of these claims were true, and many voters were deceived.”
Despite the warnings from “It Goes Too Far” and their allies, the misinformation spread by proponents went unchallenged, doing a disservice to voters who would have voted against Prop 139 if they had known the truth.
The fact is that abortion is already legal in Arizona, and state law already provides protections for women experiencing miscarriage and late-term crisis complications that endanger their health. Brug emphasizes, “Proponents based their entire campaign on falsehoods and evaded any real opposition. They cannot now claim that Prop 139 passed for any other reason than the false narrative they presented to voters.”
Brug goes on to commend the extensive grassroots efforts made to inform voters about the dangers Prop 139 poses to girls, women, and the unborn. She remarks, “I have never witnessed such a motivated, empowered, and dedicated group of volunteers tirelessly spreading the truth and educating voters about the risks to women’s health and safety.”
Brug expresses concern for the girls who may resort to unsafe, self-induced abortions without the oversight of medical professionals, without the knowledge and guidance of their parents, and without understanding the inherent risks involved. She also laments the countless unnecessary abortions that will occur, particularly those performed after the fetus can survive outside the womb.
The fight against extreme abortion laws will persist. Arizonans who understand the harm caused by unrestricted abortion will continue to advocate for the truth about abortion and strive for genuine healthcare for women and protections for the unborn.