Revolutionary Ballot Language Establishes Abortion as a Constitutional Right at All Stages

By Staff Reporter |

Arizona voters may soon decide whether to make abortion a fundamental right under the state’s constitution. The upcoming ballot initiative, Proposition 139, seeks to establish this right, limiting the state’s ability to interfere with abortions, especially before the fetus reaches viability, around 24 weeks.

However, post-viability abortions wouldn’t be entirely restricted. They could still occur if a healthcare professional deems them necessary to protect the mother’s life or health. Additionally, the proposition prevents lawmakers from imposing criminal penalties on those assisting in obtaining an abortion.

“A ‘yes’ vote will create a fundamental right to abortion under Arizona’s constitution. The state cannot interfere with this right before fetal viability unless there’s a compelling reason, pursued in the least restrictive way. Viability means when a fetus can likely survive outside the uterus, per a healthcare professional’s good-faith judgment. This non-interference applies throughout the pregnancy. No penalties will be imposed on those assisting an abortion,” outlines the proposition.

The secretary of state is currently reviewing signatures for the initiative. Earlier this month, Arizona For Abortion Access, the PAC backing the initiative, sued the Arizona Legislative Council. The contention was over the council’s use of the term “unborn human being” instead of “fetus” in their analysis distributed to voters. PAC attorneys argued that “unborn human being” was a partisan term.

Arizona For Abortion Access has amassed nearly $23.2 million in support. Significant contributions come from out-of-state entities, like The Fairness Project and Planned Parenthood Action Fund, totaling over $13.4 million. In-state organizations, funded by similar sources, contributed around $5.8 million.

Notable wealthy donors include:

• Phoebe Gates, daughter of Bill Gates, $750,000
• Liz Simons, daughter of James Simons, $250,000
• Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, $100,000

Locally, significant donors include Juanita Fitzer Francis, who gave $200,000, and David and Louise Reese, who together donated about $200,000. Sedona’s Donalyn Mikles contributed $100,000, while other local donors offered sums ranging from $25,000 to $50,000.

Expenditures by the initiative have reached nearly $13.5 million, with approximately $11 million spent on gathering signatures. Over $500,000 has gone towards advertising, and more than $100,000 on polling. Staff salaries for affiliated organizations also accounted for over $400,000.

Currently, the PAC’s cash balance stands at just over $9.7 million.

AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.