Arizona Republicans block attempt to repeal abortion ban

April 11, 2024

Republican lawmakers in Arizona have blocked an attempt to repeal the state’s ban on most abortions, a day after the Arizona Supreme Court upheld the law. Axios reports that nearly all abortions would become unavailable within two months, if the ban is not repealed.

If the ban were successfully repealed, a 2022 law allowing most abortions through the 15th week of pregnancy would take effect.

The repeal bill was sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D-Tucson) who said in a floor speech yesterday, We’ve got the eyes of the world watching the state of Arizona.”

A motion to repeal the stricter ban was introduced Wednesday morning but was stopped cold when another motion was made and passed to adjourn and stall the vote. Rep. Stahl Hamilton tried again to move the repeal bill forward but Republicans again adjourned.

According to Axios, following the adjournment, Democratic lawmakers angrily chanted, “Shame!” “Shame on you,” “Save women’s lives” and “Blood on your hands.”

House Speaker Ben Toma, who opposes the repeal, told reporters there was no need to rush a vote on the emotionally issue so soon after an Arizona Supreme Court ruling.

Toma stated that waiting would allow, “some time to calm down a bit, really process and think through, listen to their constituents, talk to each other.”

Photo: top, Credit: Illustration/Natalie Peeples/Axios