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Opponents of Prop. 139 say abortion rights ballot measure is dangerously broad

OB/Gyn chair
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Multiple polls have shown Arizona’s abortion rights ballot measure is likely to pass. But opponents are making a closing pitch to try to convince voters that Proposition 139 would go too far.

Opponents of Prop. 139 gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday. Speakers included a pastor who said he was against the proposition because he is morally opposed to any abortions. But most speakers argued that voters should reject Prop. 139 because the state’s current abortion laws are reasonable and should stay in place.

Many rally-goers held signs saying, “No on Prop. 139: Abortion in AZ is already legal up to 15 weeks.”

Since 2022, Arizona has enforced a law banning abortions after 15 weeks of gestation. Speakers emphasized that the 15-week law allows exceptions later in pregnancy for medical emergencies.

Prop. 139 would amend the state constitution to allow abortions up to around 24 weeks, with exceptions beyond that to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.

Arizona has dozens of abortion other regulations including a required 24-hour wait for patients, a law barring abortion medication through the mail, and a requirement that the patient have an ultrasound, which may be medically unnecessary. If Prop. 139 passes, those regulations are likely to be challenged in court.

Speaking alongside Prop. 139 opponents, Gilbert-based OB-GYN Dr. Erica Kreller raised concerns that the proposed amendment would be broad enough to put patients at risk.

“The women of Arizona, our patients, deserve more than Prop 139. They deserve care from doctors who can recognize their complications, not health care practitioners who point them to online abortion pills and abandon them when they need help most,” Kreller said. "They deserve what current Arizona law allows me to provide – safe, compassionate care for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies.”

Supporters of Prop. 139 say the measure would do nothing to eliminate medical safety standards. The proposition has the backing of hundreds of Arizona doctors and medical professionals. Supporters argue the 15-week law creates traumatic obstacles for women facing complications later in pregnancy and forces some women to leave the state for abortions.

Katherine Davis-Young is a senior field correspondent reporting on a variety of issues, including public health and climate change.
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