Deborah Archer President at American Civil Liberties Union | Official website
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has permanently blocked Arizona's ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The case, filed in the same court, argued that the ban was unconstitutional as it violated a 2024 state constitutional amendment protecting the right to abortion.
The decision follows an agreement by Attorney General Kris Mayes not to enforce the ban. This stipulation allowed doctors to provide care beyond 15 weeks following the certification of Proposition 139, known as the Arizona Abortion Access Act, which enshrined abortion rights into the state constitution.
The lawsuit was initiated by Dr. Eric M. Reuss, Dr. Paul A. Isaacson, and Planned Parenthood Arizona, represented by several legal organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union and Perkins Coie LLP.
Dr. Eric M. Reuss expressed relief over the ruling: “We’re relieved that Arizona’s harmful abortion ban has been permanently blocked." He highlighted how the ban had negatively impacted his patients' lives.
Dr. Paul Isaacson also welcomed the decision: “For nearly three years, my hands were tied because of this cruel ban." He emphasized that Arizonans deserve to make health care decisions without political interference.
Dr. Misha Pangasa from Planned Parenthood Arizona noted: “This is a huge moment for Arizonans," emphasizing their commitment to providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
Rebecca Chan from ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project stated: “Arizonans made it crystal clear that reproductive freedom is a core value in their state."
Lauren Beall from ACLU of Arizona called it "an important milestone" for protecting abortion access in Arizona.
Alexis McGill Johnson of Planned Parenthood Federation of America remarked on "the power of direct democracy" and its role in achieving reproductive freedom through Proposition 139.
Nancy Northup from Center for Reproductive Rights described it as "a people’s victory," but acknowledged ongoing barriers to abortion access in Arizona remain despite this ruling.
