Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs expressed confidence on Tuesday that voters will have the chance to make abortion rights a part of the state's constitution in November. This could reverse a decision from the state's Supreme Court that effectively bans nearly all abortions in the state.
Hobbs spoke with CNN's Anderson Cooper shortly after the state's highest court dismissed arguments for a 15-week abortion ban and upheld a law dating back to 1864, before Arizona was a state.
“Arizonans will have the opportunity in November to add abortion rights to our state constitution, and I believe that, given the chance, they will vote to protect abortion,” she stated.
Hobbs mentioned that the efforts to secure abortion access in the state have already gathered more signatures than needed for ballot access in this year's election, with several months still available to gather support.
“This is a sensible measure that is backed by the majority of Arizonans in terms of safeguarding access,” she commented. “And it will certainly motivate voters in November.”
The Arizona Right to Abortion Initiative may be included on the state's ballot this autumn as a constitutional amendment. It aims to establish the fundamental right to abortion and specifies that the state cannot interfere before the point of fetal viability, which is when a fetus could survive outside the uterus.
The 4-2 decision on Tuesday essentially makes abortion almost entirely illegal in the state. It will criminalize performing or assisting a pregnant person in getting an abortion, carrying a penalty of two to five years in prison. The law will effectively shut down abortion clinics in the state, although Hobbs mentioned that the timing of this is still uncertain.
She has urged the Republican-led legislature in the state to immediately repeal the law. She expressed concern for the well-being of individuals from when the ruling is enforced until the election, but assured that she will do everything within her power to provide assistance.
“Arizonans will not only have the opportunity to vote on this ballot measure, but also to elect new legislators who will advocate for protecting their freedoms instead of taking them away.”
Since assuming office last year, Hobbs has criticized Republican lawmakers in the state for not accepting her proposal to repeal the ban.
She has issued an executive order preventing county attorneys from prosecuting women and doctors for performing abortions, and this order remains in effect. Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) stated that “no woman or doctor will face prosecution” while she serves as attorney general.
