Recently, the state of Arizona could make the decision to bring back the 1864 no-abortion law into effect. This will be the strictest abortion law the country has seen in centuries. Meaning there is absolutely no excuses for abortion including rape and incest.
Arizona Moving Backwards
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that they are thinking of bringing back a law that is 160 years old. This law would prohibit any form of abortion, which can take a big toll on women’s healthcare. Unfortunately, this also means there is no excuses and abortion will be banned for any and all circumstances except if the mother is in danger of dying. If a young 10 year old girl were to be sexually assaulted and got pregnant, she would have to go through with the pregnancy. This is an incredibly harmful and cruel decision.
This law from 1864 will make it a felony for both the woman getting the abortion and the doctor doing the procedure. This felony, if made, would result in two to five years in prison. Many women are enraged at this decision since Congress is not taking into consideration the fact that sometimes it is necessary. Not many women that get pregnant are mentally, physically, and money ready to afford having a child. Having contraception is not a 100% guarantee that they will not get pregnant.
What is The Current Abortion Law in Arizona?
Currently, Arizona has a less strict law on abortions. As of right now, Abortions are legal if the fetus is 15 weeks old or younger. Anything past that is not acceptable. While this is a bit better than the law they are trying to pass in the state. The president has stated that this law is “cruel” and will negatively affect women’s health. This ban is 14 days away from becoming a reality. Unless everyone appeals this, it will become a reality. It is very important for Arizona residents to vote regarding this law.
Written by Erika Cano
Sources:
NBC News: Arizona Supreme Court rules a near-total abortion ban from 1864 is enforceable
ABC 15: Arizona Supreme Court rules to ban nearly all abortions, reverting back to penal code
CBS News: Arizona Supreme Court rules abortion ban from 1864 can be enforced
Featured Image courtesy of Don Barrett Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Miki Jourdan Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
