In a landmark decision, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that a law from 1864 banning almost all abortions is now applicable in the state. The law prohibits any abortion from the moment of conception, with no exceptions for rape or incest unless the mother’s life is in danger. However, despite this ruling, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has stated that she will not initiate any prosecutions and emphasizes the importance of private medical decisions between individuals and their doctors without government interference.
The constitutional protection of abortion was annulled in 2022, leaving states to legislate on the subject. While it may not be enforced immediately, this decision could change with elections since prosecutors are elected in the United States. President Joe Biden has condemned the decision as “cruel” and has attributed it to the extreme agenda of Republican officials who seek to restrict women’s freedom. The law does not provide protection for women even in cases where their health is at risk or in instances of rape or incest. This decision has intensified electoral implications in the lead-up to the presidential election in a key state where Biden narrowly defeated Donald Trump in 2020.
Abortion has long been a contentious issue in American politics, with conservatives advocating for restrictions. However, recent elections have shown opposition from the general public to canceling federal guarantees of access to abortion services. Former President Donald Trump expressed his support for allowing states to legislate on abortion and emphasized the importance of states’ decision-making power on such matters.
