Arizona judge blocks 15-week abortion ban
PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - A Maricopa County Superior Court judge permanently blocked Arizona's 15-week abortion ban Wednesday.
In a press release, the case "asserts that the ban is unconstitutional because it denies Arizonans' access to abortion care in violation of the state's 2024 constitutional amendment protecting the fundamental right to abortion."
The press release says, "The ruling permanently blocks the banwhich Attorney General Kris Mayes agreed not to enforce under a December stipulation in which both the State and abortion providers agreed that the ban is unconstitutional."
The case, filed in the Maricopa County Superior Court back in December of last year, was brought by Dr. Eric M. Reuss, Dr. Paul A. Isaacson, and Planned Parenthood Arizona, and was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ACLU of Arizona, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Center for Reproductive Rights and Perkins Coie LLP, the press release says.
"We're relieved that Arizona's harmful abortion ban has been permanently blocked. For two years, I've seen firsthand how our state's abortion ban has harmed my patients, with countless lives and futures changed because politicians thought their views of the right health care was more important than pregnant people and their medical providers. What we owe Arizonans is top-quality health care, full stop – not forcing them to wait for severe pregnancy complications to get worse before they can get care. Today's decision will help pave the way for a future in which all Arizonans have access to the fundamental care they need."
Dr. Eric M. Reuss, M.D., M.P.H., obstetrician and gynecologist, Scottsdale Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C.
"For nearly three years, my hands were tied because of this cruel ban. It is a relief to no longer have to turn away patients from essential health care. All Arizonans deserve to make their own health care decisions with their doctors, without political interference. I will continue to provide the full spectrum of reproductive health care my patients need for their health and their futures – including abortion."
Dr. Paul Isaacson, M.D., obstetrician and gynecologist, Family Planning Associates Medical Group
"This is a huge moment for Arizonans, who voted to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution by passing Proposition 139 to stop the government from interfering in people's health decisions. As an OBGYN who provides comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion care, I firmly believe that people should be able to get care in their own communities, in a manner that is best for them, with the people they trust. This is why we at Planned Parenthood Arizona have been fighting tirelessly for the health and rights of our patients and we are proud to now be serving our community by providing abortion care beyond 15 weeks of pregnancy."
Dr. Misha Pangasa, physician, Planned Parenthood Arizona
"Arizonans made it crystal clear that reproductive freedom is a core value in their state by passing Prop 139 in November, establishing a fundamental constitutional right to abortion. While this was a monumental win for the health and rights of people across the state, it was just the first step. While we celebrate today's court order blocking Arizona's abortion ban, we know that Arizonans will still need to navigate barriers to care that are medically unnecessary and undermine the will of the people."
Rebecca Chan, staff attorney, ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project
"Today's ruling to permanently block Arizona's 15-week ban is an important milestone to protect access to abortion in Arizona. Arizonans made it clear that politicians have no business interfering with private medical decisions related to pregnancy and abortion care when they voted to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. We are committed to working with providers and partners to ensure that all of Arizona’s laws fall in line with the will of the people."
Lauren Beall, staff attorney, ACLU of Arizona
"Today's ruling demonstrates the power of direct democracy to create real, lasting changes for abortion access. With their vote on Proposition 139, Arizonans rejected the state's abortion ban, saying decisively that the only people qualified to make pregnancy decisions are patients and their health care providers, not politicians. By permanently voiding the state's 15-week abortion ban, this court brought Arizonans closer to achieving reproductive freedom for every person. Planned Parenthood Federation of America and our partners will continue our work to ensure that the promise of Proposition 139 is fulfilled."
Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
"Today's ruling is a people's victory. Arizona voters made clear in November that they want their fundamental reproductive rights protected, including abortion access. This is democracy at work. Patients and providers can finally move forward without the lingering threat of this unjust ban. But barriers to abortion access in Arizona remain. Burdensome and pointless requirements leveled at abortion providers and mandatory waiting periods for patients continue to undermine the voters' will. We will keep fighting to ensure that Arizonans get all the freedoms they voted for and rightfully expect."
Nancy Northup, president and CEO, Center for Reproductive Rights
To learn more about the ruling, click here.
