Doug Ducey, the ex-governor of Arizona who enacted a 15-week abortion restriction, stated that he did not prefer the state Supreme Court's decision to ban almost all abortions on Tuesday.
“I endorsed the 15-week law as Governor because it is considerate conservative policy and a way to address this very delicate issue that Arizonans can actually agree on,” Ducey posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“I would have preferred a different outcome today, and I urge our elected leaders to listen to the people and tackle this issue with a policy that is practical and reflective of our electorate,” he continued.
In a 4-2 decision, the Arizona Supreme Court dismissed arguments to uphold the 15-week abortion ban enacted by Ducey in 2022 and enforced since the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
The ruling upheld a law from 1864 that makes performing an abortion a felony. The law, dating back to the Civil War era, was passed before Arizona became a state.
The law will take effect in 14 days, but it’s uncertain how it will be enforced.
Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) said Tuesday’s decision is “far from the end of the debate” on reproductive freedom in the state.
“Let me be completely clear, as long as I am Attorney General, no woman or doctor will be prosecuted under this draconian law in this state,” she stated.
The law will criminalize abortion, with a punishment of two to five years in prison for anyone involved in performing or aiding a woman in obtaining an abortion. The exception is when it is necessary to save a pregnant person’s life.
Voters will have the opportunity to eliminate the restrictions through a ballot measure in November, but politicians on both sides of the aisle called for more immediate actions from the state Legislature.
Governor Katie Hobbs (D) described it as “a dark day in Arizona.”
“Let me be clear. Arizona’s 2022 abortion ban is extreme and harms women, and the nearly total Civil War-era ban that still lingers only adds to the confusion for women and doctors in our state,” Hobbs stated during a press conference.
