Arizona Voters Approve New Abortion Protections, But They Face Delays After Monday’s Certification

PHOENIX — The aftermath of the historic vote to protect abortion rights in Arizona is stirring significant legal challenges. Following the certification of the November election results by Gov. Katie Hobbs, the next chapter in the battle over reproductive rights will unfold.

This legislative shift could delay the implementation of Proposition 139, which aims to integrate abortion rights into the state Constitution. Lawyers are preparing to challenge existing anti-abortion laws, seeking to pave the way for Prop 139. However, this legal process may extend for months, if not years.

“In Arizona, nothing is automatic,” stated Dawn Penich, a spokeswoman for Prop 139, during the recent episode of “Sunday Square Off.” She emphasized that all current abortion regulations will undergo scrutiny in court, indicating that the existing 15-week abortion ban is likely to be the first target. This law currently only permits abortion to save the mother’s life.

Experts predict ongoing discussions around reproductive rights in Arizona. “Abortion will be in the headlines for a very long time,” Penich added.

Legal experts anticipate similar battles in other states that recently passed pro-abortion measures. Christine Jones, an attorney and former Republican gubernatorial candidate, indicated that abortion opponents are gearing up to propose their own constitutional amendments in response to Prop 139.

Prop 139, titled the Arizona Abortion Access Act, gained substantial support, passing with 62 percent of the vote. Advocates collected an unprecedented 800,000 signatures to bring the proposition to a ballot.

In related discussions, former Arizona public health director Will Humble addressed concerns regarding the implications of President-elect Donald Trump’s public health appointments. He specifically mentioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz as potential picks that could affect Arizona’s well-being.