State lawmakers are moving to repeal two controversial abortion laws-- sort of.
One action rescinds a law signed just last month by Gov. Doug Ducey which allow medication abortions only through the first seven weeks of pregnancy. Proponents said that conformed with Food and Drug Administration labeling of the abortion drug RU-486. But the agency has since found that drug can be used through 10 weeks.
Cathi Herrod, president of the conservative Center for Arizona Policy, said she does not think that's safe. But she said it's too late this legislative session to fix the new law and avoid a lawsuit.
The other change repeals a 2015 law that requires doctors to tell patients considering a medication abortion that it might be reversible if they act quickly. That law was challenged by Planned Parenthood as "junk science" and a federal judge has blocked enforcement.
The new version says doctors have to tell a woman who has taken just the first pill of the two-pill regimen that it's not always effective and if she has questions to consult a physician.
But Planned Parenthood Arizona CEO Bryan Howard said that information is as misleading as the original 2015 law. He said the first pill is designed to kill the fetus. It is the second that begins contractions.
And Howard said if a woman takes only the first pill and not the second, the failure to expel the fetus could cause serious medical complications. The changes crafted by a conference committee still need approval of both the House and Senate.