Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Signs Repeal Of Strict 1864 Abortion Ban

On Thursday (May 2), Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed a repeal of the state's near-total abortion ban, a law that has been in place since 1864. The repeal was passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature following a state Supreme Court ruling that the law was enforceable.

"I've heard from doctors who were unsure if they would wind up in a jail cell for simply doing their job, women who told me they didn't know if it was safe to start a family here in Arizona," Hobbs said at the signing ceremony. "These excruciating conversations are exactly why I have made one thing clear, very clear: This ban needs to be repealed."

The law, which provided no exceptions for rape or incest and allowed abortions only if the mother's life was in jeopardy, will be removed from the state's law books. However, the repeal may not take effect until 90 days after the end of the legislative session. Abortion rights advocates hope a court will step in to prevent that outcome.

A handful of Republicans in the state Senate, led by those facing tough reelection fights, supported repealing the law. They joined all Democrats in voting for it.

Despite the repeal, abortion remains a contentious issue in Arizona. The repeal leaves in place a 15-week ban passed in 2022. The issue of abortion rights is expected to be a critical factor in the upcoming November elections.