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Legal challenges loom as abortion rights are enshrined in Arizona's constitution

Arizona for Abortion Access sign
Katherine Davis-Young/KJZZ
A demonstrator holds a sign in support of the Arizona for Abortion Access ballot measure which would amend the state constitution to guarantee access to abortion.

The right to abortion is officially enshrined in the Arizona Constitution. But legal challenges over how to regulate abortion are likely to continue.

The new constitutional amendment expands Arizona’s abortion access from the current 15 week legal limit to the point of fetal viability.

But some providers have said they will wait for a court ruling invalidating the old law before providing abortions after 15 weeks.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes says she believes the new constitutional amendment gives legal cover for providers.

"There will be some providers who will feel comfortable as of 10:12 a.m. today providing abortion care after 15 weeks," Mayes said at a press conference Monday.

Other abortion-related laws that could go before the court include defining age limits and waiting periods.

Jill Ryan joined KJZZ in 2020 as a morning reporter, and she is currently a field correspondent and Morning Edition producer.
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