Arizona Senate moves to repeal 1864 abortion law

The repeal comes one week after the Republican-led House passed the repeal on its third attempt. The ban outlaws abortion in all cases except to save the life of the mother. It could also punish people who perform the abortion by sentencing them to 2-5 years in prison.

By Misty Severi

Published: May 1, 2024 4:06pm

The Arizona Senate appears ready to pass a measure to repeal the state's 1864 near-total ban on abortion Wednesday, sending the bill to Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Two Republican senators sided with 14 Democrats to advance the repeal, according to the Associated Press, though voting is not complete as of press time. Hobbs is expected to sign the repeal measure.

The move comes one week after the Republican-led House passed the repeal on its third attempt. The ban outlaws abortion in all cases except to save the life of the mother. It could also punish people who perform the abortion by sentencing them to 2-5 years in prison.

If signed by Hobbs, the state will revert to a 15-week abortion ban.

Republicans outside of the state legislature have previously called for a repeal of the 1864 ban, including former President Donald Trump and Republican Senate hopeful Kari Lake.