Pressure mounting in Arizona legislature, division in GOP

Democratic lawmakers in Arizona chanted “Shame!” and “Blood on your hands!” on Wednesday after a failed attempt to repeal an 1864 statute protecting unborn children. Democrats protested after Republican lawmakers removed a bill to repeal the law from the agenda, which the state Supreme Court recently upheld. State Speaker of the House Ben Toma condemned the display, describing the Democrats’ behavior as uncivil and appallingly childish. Legislators will also require time to consider all actions on the law rather than rush into more legislation, Toma wrote. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that the 160-year-old law criminalizing abortion could be enforced. If the law takes effect, it would prevent babies from being aborted unless the mother’s life is at risk.

How are Republican lawmakers responding to the law? While many Republicans favor pro-life legal protections, the law has divided GOP legislators. State Rep. Matt Gress described the decision as rolling back the clock. Republican Congressman Juan Ciscomani also criticized the law’s enforcement, calling the law archaic and disastrous for women and healthcare providers. Arizona GOP candidate for U.S. Senate Kari Lake also opposed the ruling, demanding state leaders find a “common-sense solution.” Republican state representatives Shawnna Bolick and T.J. Shope also have supported repealing the law, favoring a 15-week protection instead.

How are legislators trying to have the law repealed? Toma said he will not allow a House vote on repealing the law, according to a report by Axios. The Arizona for Abortion Access campaign this week said it has collected enough signatures on a petition to get the issue on a future ballot.

Dig deeper: Read Leah Savas’ report in Vitals about legislation on abortion progressing in other states.