Team,

The Arizona Supreme Court set the stage to reinstate a near-total abortion ban in Arizona that dates back to 1864—before Arizona was even a state. Once in effect, the ban will criminalize providers and prohibit all abortions except when they are deemed "necessary" to save a pregnant person's life. We know these exceptions don't work: that's why we've spent the last year fighting them.

The Center for Reproductive Rights has brought lawsuits on behalf of dozens of plaintiffs across the country whose lives were put in jeopardy because they couldn't access the critical care they needed. We brought these cases with your support, and we won't stop our fight so long as we have it.

This ruling in Arizona does not allow the abortion ban to be enforced immediately. Thanks to a separate lawsuit the Center filed in 2022, the law won't become enforceable until 45 days after the court issues a separate order.

Arizona is set to become the 15th state to ban abortion entirely since Roe v. Wade was overturned nearly two years ago. This comes on the heels of a decision just last week by the Florida Supreme Court that cleared the way for a six-week ban to take effect.

Abortion bans like this are wildly out of step with public sentiment, and grassroots organizers in Arizona have already secured enough petition signatures for a ballot measure that would enshrine a right to abortion in the state's constitution. Barring any legal challenges, Arizona voters will have the chance to protect their abortion rights this November.

In solidarity,

Nancy Northup
President & CEO