A coalition of Arizona organizations has submitted a proposal to add a ballot measure to the 2024 general election that seeks to amend the state’s constitution, guaranteeing access to abortion. This move follows the example of other states that have enshrined abortion access in their own constitutions following the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year.
Several organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arizona, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, and NARAL Pro-Choice Arizona, have united in support of the newly formed political action committee called Arizona for Abortion Access.
The PAC has filed the necessary paperwork to propose the Arizona Abortion Access Act to be added to the November 2024 ballot, which would constitutionally protect access to abortions in Arizona.
“Since the fall of Roe, we have witnessed a multigenerational and multiracial movement for reproductive freedom emerge in our communities, fighting for the fundamental rights of Arizonans. This ballot initiative will build on that momentum,” stated Candace Lew, Chairwoman of Arizona for Abortion Access. “Thousands of Arizonans will drive this grassroots effort, not only to present this question to voters but to ensure its success next November.”
Currently, abortions are prohibited in Arizona after 15 weeks, and state Medicaid only covers terminations under limited circumstances. Additionally, medication abortions face restrictions, as Arizona law prevents the provision of these drugs through telehealth services.
Last year, California and Vermont passed similar ballot measures, enshrining abortion access in their respective state constitutions. However, neither of these states have stricter abortion restrictions in place.
If accepted by Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D), the state will join Ohio, Maryland, and New York in voting on amendments regarding abortion access. Ohio will hold the vote on November 7, while Maryland and New York are scheduled for 2024.
A separate ballot measure vote on Tuesday could potentially hinder the passage of the abortion measure in Ohio. Issue 1 aims to raise the threshold for ballot measures to be approved, leading critics to argue that it is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the proposed abortion amendment.
“The proposal put forth in Arizona by the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and other far-left special interest groups seeks to transform Arizona into an unrecognizable state for those of us who call it home,” commented Maria Birnbaum, Arizona field director for the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
“The ACLU and the abortion lobby’s extreme and barbaric vision for Arizona aligns with their radical agenda to eliminate parental rights and remove any protection for the unborn, which does not reflect the beliefs of Arizonans.”
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