FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 24, 2022
Arizona's Abortion Law Now in Effect in the Wake of Today's SCOTUS Ruling
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— The Supreme Court of the United States today overturned Roe and Casey, which now means there is no longer a federal right to abortion. States are now left to regulate this issue, just as they would for any other health issue.
As a result, effective immediately is ARS 13-3603, which allows Arizona to enforce pre-Roe law. This law, that is already on the books, bans most abortions, unless the procedure is necessary to save the life of a mother. Last year, the legislature amended this law, so that the mother who chooses to have an abortion will not face any punishment. Instead, a physician who violates this law would be held accountable.
Effective 90 days after sine die of the legislature is SB 1164, sponsored by Sen. Nancy Barto (R-15). This law is in addition to ARS 13-3603. It will ban all abortions after 15 weeks gestation, with the exception of a medical emergency threatening the life of the mother, or a serious risk of substantial impairment of a bodily function. There are no other exceptions to the law. A physician who violates this law would face felony prosecution, which would be punishable by jail time of two to five years, under ARS 13-3603.
In preparation for this day, Arizona State Senate Republicans this session have worked to secure increased funds for the 50 pregnancy centers in Arizona, as well as to support mothers with pre- and post-natal care.
· $10 million will expand access for Medicaid members to OBGYNs. 50% of births in Arizona are from mothers on Medicaid.
· $2.7 million will expand postpartum care to one year for mothers on Medicaid so that they can maintain access to their healthcare providers.
· $10 million will go to doubling capacity in the Healthy Families Program to help expectant and new parents get their children off to a healthy start.
· $19.8 million will also go to increase the kinship stipend to $300 for kids in foster care who live with their kin.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov