Arizona Judge Blocks GOP Language on Voter Abortion Ballot Initiative Pamphlet

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Christopher Whitten has dismissed a proposal from GOP lawmakers to label a fetus as an “unborn human being” in voter pamphlets for a ballot measure aiming to extend abortion access in Arizona.

The ruling, issued on Friday, stated that the suggested language was “packed with emotion and partisan meaning.” Judge Whitten called for more “neutral” terminology in the pamphlet. The measure in question seeks to expand abortion access from 15 weeks to 24 weeks, a critical juncture where a fetus can survive outside the womb.

The measure also includes provisions for exemptions in cases where the woman’s life or health is at risk. Additionally, it aims to prevent the state from enacting laws that would restrict access to abortion.

Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma criticized the decision, describing it as “plain wrong and clearly partisan.” Toma announced plans to appeal to the state Supreme Court.

Aaron Thacker, communications director for Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the final approval of the ballot measure. “There’s still a lot of scenarios at play,” he remarked. “Even after the secretary certifies the signatures, the courts have to decide if counties can put it on the ballot or not.”

Arizona for Abortion Access, the leading organization behind the campaign, initially sued the council over the recommended language. They advocated for the term “fetus,” which the council rejected.

Attorney General Kris Mayes supported this stance, recommending “fetus” and “pregnancy” as neutral terms in an amicus brief. “It’s incredibly important to us that Arizona voters get to learn more about and weigh our measure in objective and accurate terminology,” stated Dawn Penich, communications director for the abortion access group.

Abortion rights have been a pivotal issue in the current election campaigns for Democrats. Similar ballot measures have been proposed in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, and South Dakota.

Arizona organizers submitted more than twice the required number of signatures for the measure to qualify for the ballot.

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