What's happened
Arizona's 1864 abortion ban, reinstated by the State Supreme Court, reflects the influence of conservative Christian abortion opponents in shaping American abortion laws.
Why it matters
The reinstatement of Arizona's 1864 abortion ban, with no exceptions for rape or incest, highlights the power of conservative Christian groups in influencing abortion laws. This decision could have significant implications for reproductive rights in Arizona and beyond, setting a precedent for other states to enact similar restrictive measures.
What the papers say
The New York Times emphasizes Speaker Ben Toma's commitment to upholding moral principles and the 1864 abortion ban, rooted in a Christian worldview. In contrast, Axios provides historical context on the ban's origins in the 1800s and its recent reinstatement by the Arizona Supreme Court.
How we got here
Arizona's 1864 abortion ban was enacted as part of the Howell Code during the Civil War era and has been upheld through various legislative efforts over the years. The recent reinstatement by the Arizona Supreme Court reflects a broader trend of restrictive abortion measures gaining traction in the wake of Roe v. Wade's overturning.
Common question
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The Arizona Supreme Court is the state supreme court of the U.S. state of Arizona. Sitting in the Supreme Court building in downtown Phoenix, the court consists of a chief justice, a vice chief justice, and five associate justices.
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Arizona is a state in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the Western and the Mountain states. It is the 6th largest and the 14th most populous of the 50 states. Its capital and largest city is Phoenix.
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Douglas Anthony Ducey is an American businessman and politician who is the 23rd and current governor of Arizona. A Republican, he was sworn in as governor on January 5, 2015. He was the state's treasurer from 2011 to 2015.
Before entering politics, Ducey
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