Republicans in Arizona House block repeal of Civil War-era abortion ban, sparking shouting match

The Arizona House erupted into chaos on Wednesday as Republicans blocked attempts to repeal the state’s 1864 law criminalizing abortion throughout pregnancy. House Democrats shouted “Shame! Shame!” as GOP leaders shut down discussions on repealing the Civil War-era ban, which holds no exceptions for rape or incest.

The Arizona Supreme Court recently upheld the 1864 law over a 2022 ban on most abortions after 15 weeks, sparking outrage from citizens, Democratic lawmakers, and abortion advocates nationwide. Democratic state Rep Stephanie Stahl Hamilton warned that “people will die” if the ban remains in place.

Republican Rep Teresa Martinez defended the ban, arguing that pregnancy should be celebrated and that abortion terminates life. However, at least three GOP legislators, including Rep Matt Gress, openly opposed the ban, calling for its repeal.

Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, urging Arizona officials to bring the state’s abortion laws back to “reason.” Trump, who took credit for overturning Roe v. Wade, emphasized that the issue should be left to the states.

GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake, who previously endorsed the ban, now opposes it, calling for a “commonsense solution” that aligns with Arizonans’ values. Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs criticized the inaction on repealing the ban as “unconscionable.”

The battle over Arizona’s abortion laws continues to intensify, with lawmakers, advocates, and politicians on both sides of the aisle clashing over the controversial issue.