PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) – Healthcare providers in Arizona filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging the state’s 15-week abortion ban. The lawsuit claims the ban goes against a new amendment in the state constitution that protects abortion rights.
This legal action was taken after voters passed Proposition 139, which allows individuals to decide whether to continue with a pregnancy.
The lawsuit was filed in Maricopa County Superior Court by Dr. Eric M. Reuss, Dr. Paul A. Isaacson, and Planned Parenthood Arizona, with support from the ACLU and other organizations.
The Arizona Attorney General, Kris Mayes, also agreed that the 15-week abortion ban is unconstitutional and will not be enforced for 30 days after the legal proceedings are concluded. As a result, doctors across Arizona can now provide abortion services after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Proposition 139, passed by voters in November, ensures the right to an abortion is protected in the Arizona constitution. This amendment returned the power to make decisions about abortion back to Arizona residents.
The press release highlights that the amendment, certified on November 25, provides a significant shift in the state’s approach to abortion care.
Dr. Eric M. Reuss, an obstetrician and gynecologist, expressed his pride in being part of the lawsuit, noting how critical it is to restore patients’ freedom to make healthcare decisions without political interference.
Reuss emphasized how this ban had previously made it difficult for doctors to provide essential care, particularly when patients faced complications during pregnancy.
Dr. Paul Isaacson, another doctor involved in the case, shared how harmful restrictive abortion laws have been for his patients, making it difficult to provide necessary care.
He pointed out that healthcare decisions should be made between a doctor and patient, not influenced by politics. Isaacson also emphasized that the constitutional amendment passed by Arizona voters indicates the public’s support for abortion rights.
Dr. Jill Gibson, chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood of Arizona, also supported the lawsuit, stressing that abortion bans and restrictions force people into difficult situations, like seeking unsafe methods or traveling long distances for care.
She stated that the community deserves the right to make personal decisions about their bodies and health without government interference.
Rebecca Chan, a staff attorney with the ACLU, highlighted that the new constitutional amendment protects individuals’ right to abortion.
She expressed hope that the courts will recognize the harms caused by the 15-week ban and rule in favor of Arizona residents who voted to secure abortion rights.
Lauren Beall, an ACLU of Arizona attorney, added that Arizona lawmakers had long undermined reproductive rights, but voters have made it clear that they want their healthcare providers to be able to offer the care people need without restrictions.
Alexis McGill Johnson, the president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, stressed that the fight for abortion access will continue. She noted that Arizona voters had clearly stated their preference for abortion rights, and now, it’s time for the law to reflect that.
Finally, Nancy Northup from the Center for Reproductive Rights pointed out that Arizona is not a battleground state when it comes to abortion rights, as voters overwhelmingly supported abortion access.
She said the legal challenge to the 15-week ban is essential for protecting the health and lives of Arizona residents and ensuring healthcare providers can do their job.
This case marks a significant step in a legal battle aimed at ending abortion restrictions in Arizona and ensuring that people can make decisions about their bodies without interference.
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