Arizona Republicans Under Pressure from Trump Consider Response to 1864 Abortion Ban

Arizona Republicans are facing a contentious battle over abortion rights as they grapple with a near-total abortion ban set to take effect and a proposed ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. The pressure is mounting as former President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans are urging legislators to act swiftly to change the law.

The 1864 law, which bans nearly all abortions and imposes prison sentences for providers, has sparked outrage among abortion rights supporters. In response, a proposed ballot measure known as the Arizona Abortion Access Act aims to protect the right to abortion before viability, around 24 weeks. Supporters of the measure have already gathered enough signatures to put it on the ballot.

In an effort to undermine the ballot measure, Republican legislators are considering various tactics, including proposing competing constitutional amendments that would limit abortion rights even if the A.A.A. measure passes. The plan, outlined in a presentation to Republican lawmakers, aims to shift the narrative and put Democrats on the defensive.

One proposal suggests introducing ballot initiatives that would conflict with the A.A.A. measure, potentially confusing voters and pulling support away from the pro-abortion rights initiative. The language of these proposed measures would be intentionally misleading, with one option disguised as a 15-week law when it actually limits abortion at 14 weeks.

The speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives confirmed the authenticity of the document, stating that it was drafted for internal discussion. However, abortion rights advocates have criticized the Republican presentation, arguing that it highlights the dangers of leaving such personal rights in the hands of politicians. The battle over abortion rights in Arizona is far from over, with both sides gearing up for a heated debate in the coming weeks.