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Democratic state lawmakers take aim at dozens of Arizona abortion restrictions

Sen. Analise Ortiz speaks about a group of bills aimed at repealing abortion restrictions in Arizona at the State Capitol on Jan. 22, 2025.
Katherine Davis-Young/KJZZ
Sen. Analise Ortiz speaks about a group of bills aimed at repealing abortion restrictions in Arizona at the State Capitol on Jan. 22, 2025.

Democrats in the state Legislature say they plan to introduce several bills this week aimed at repealing dozens of abortion restrictions in Arizona. This comes after voters approved a measure to enshrine broad abortion rights in the Arizona constitution.

Proposition 139, which passed in November with support from more than 60% of Arizona voters, allows abortions to the point of fetal viability — around 24 weeks — with exceptions beyond that for health risks. But the new amendment does not automatically overturn the state’s existing abortion laws.

“Prop. 139 was a victory. We do not want to downplay that. But we have to roll up our sleeves for the work that still needs to be done,” said Dr. DeShawn Taylor, a Phoenix abortion provider, on Wednesday.

After Prop. 139 passed, a group of doctors sued to block the 15-week abortion ban Arizona had been enforcing. While that lawsuit is underway, providers like Taylor have resumed providing abortions beyond 15 weeks.

But Taylor said she is still complying with nearly 50 other Arizona abortion laws, like a mandatory 24-hour wait for patients seeking abortions, a ban on telehealth appointments for patients seeking abortions, and a ban on sending abortion medication by mail.

On the campaign trail, opponents of Prop. 139 argued that those types of regulations were passed to ensure patient safety.

But Taylor said the laws are medically unnecessary barriers meant to discourage patients from having abortions. She wants lawmakers to strike them down.

“There’s so much work to do to ensure that Arizonans have meaningful access to abortion, like they can actually get one if they need one, not just that they have the right on paper,” Taylor said.

The bills will likely face challenges in the Republican-controlled Legislature, but Democratic backers, Sen. Analise Ortiz and Rep. Sarah Ligouri, said they have a mandate from the majority of Arizona voters to repeal the restrictions.

“Voters made it clear with Proposition 139 that they do not want politicians interfering with their healthcare decisions, yet we still have laws on the books that impact abortion access. It’s time to respect the will of the voters and repeal those laws,” Ortiz said.

Here's a look at the legal battle over Arizona’s abortion laws, from 1864 through today.

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