Prop 139 on Arizona November Ballot
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Abortion access is set to be on the November ballot and voters will decide if the state can interfere before the point of fetal viability, which is typically 24 weeks.
Currently in Arizona, doctors can preform abortion up to 15 weeks. After that, the only exception is if there is a medical emergency, but Proposition 139 could change that.
"There is so much on the line this election season...This is just one of many issues," said Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton (D-Ariz.), who is representing District 21.
Hamilton was part of repealing the 1864 near-total abortion law in Arizona, and she says Prop 139 would provide more options for patients.
"It, first of all, gives our doctors some breathing room, and it enables folks to be able to think about how they want to [start] their families with a fair amount of confidence," Hamilton stated.
However, Representative Tim Dunn (R-Ariz.), who represents District 25, disagrees saying current abortion laws in Arizona are sufficient.
"We want to be able to protect the life of the mother, but to be able to say that you are mentally not able to handle the baby anymore, and the thought of having a baby and you can abort that, you know, right before birth, I think its unconscionable," Dunn added.
Dunn says if Prop 139 does not pass, there could still be changes added while keeping the 15-week ban.
"We do have the ability for the mother. Currently, there has been conversations about a minor or someone who has been raped or incest, and need to be able to have those provisions added...That's a debate we can have at the legislature," Dunn expressed.
Hamilton says if the prop doesn't pass, it will take the choice away from people.
"Without provisions for survivors of sexual assault, it's more than a chilling effect. It's very detrimental to the well-being of our society in general," Hamilton remarked.
There is another 12 statewide ballot measures in this year's general election.
The deadline to register to vote is October 7, with early voting starting two days after.
