Arizona Pro-Choice Coalition Advances Abortion Rights Constitutional Amendment Ahead of Supreme Court Decision
A coalition of six pro-choice organizations in Arizona, known as Arizona for Abortion Access, has taken steps to push for a constitutional amendment that would grant women the right to have an abortion. The coalition recently filed proposed language for the amendment with the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, marking the official start of their campaign. With a potential Supreme Court decision looming later this year regarding a state law that allows abortion up to 15 weeks of pregnancy, the coalition aims to secure the constitutional right to abortion in case the law is overturned.
Jodi Liggett, senior advisor of NARAL Arizona, expressed confidence in the support for the amendment, stating that the coalition wouldn’t engage in a multi-million-dollar campaign without assurance. The proposed constitutional amendment aligns with the prevailing view that abortion should be allowed until the point of viability of the fetus, typically around 22 to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Cathi Herrod, President of the pro-life advocacy group Arizona Center of Policy, voiced concern over the vague wording of the amendment and its potential impact on late-term abortions when the fetus is viable. Herrod claimed that it was not surprising that the pro-abortion side would seek to secure abortion rights through a state constitution amendment.
For the proposed constitutional amendment to make it onto the November 2024 ballot, Arizona for Abortion Access needs to collect nearly half a million signatures by July 3, 2024. Liggett acknowledged the challenges ahead but affirmed their readiness to undertake this significant endeavor.
This development comes at a crucial time as the Supreme Court examines whether the 2022 state law allowing abortions within the first 15 weeks of pregnancy supersedes a territorial-era law that permits abortions only to save the life of the mother. The uncertainty surrounding the outcome of this case has heightened concerns among pro-choice advocates.
The coalition’s efforts to secure the constitutional amendment aim to restore and protect women’s reproductive rights, which have faced increasing scrutiny and restrictions in recent years. The movement for abortion rights in Arizona has gained momentum, with supporters emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to safe and legal abortion without undue interference from the government.
In conclusion, the Arizona Pro-Choice Coalition’s push for an abortion rights constitutional amendment highlights the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights in the state. With the Supreme Court decision looming and the potential impact on existing abortion laws, the coalition seeks to secure a constitutional guarantee for women’s right to choose.
