What's happened
The Arizona Supreme Court has upheld a 160-year-old abortion ban, reinstating a near-total prohibition with no exceptions for rape or incest. This decision reflects the influence of conservative Christian groups and the political landscape following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, impacting millions of residents in the state.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the Arizona Supreme Court's decision to uphold the 1864 abortion ban ties the state to a restrictive past, with no exceptions for rape or incest. Elizabeth Dias notes that Speaker Ben Toma's support for the ban reflects a commitment to conservative Christian values, despite political pressures. Meanwhile, Axios highlights the historical context of the ban, emphasizing its revival as a response to the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. The Independent describes the law's origins during the Civil War, framing its resurgence as a 'zombie law' that reflects outdated societal views. Jamelle Bouie in the New York Times critiques the political maneuvering that led to this ruling, pointing out the implications for voters in a state where abortion rights are increasingly contested.
How we got here
The 1864 abortion ban was part of Arizona's original legal code, enacted before statehood. It remained unenforced until the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe decision. Following Roe's overturn in 2022, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the ban was enforceable, reflecting a shift in state abortion laws.
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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