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ARIZONA’S ABORTION RIGHTS SHOWDOWN AS RECORD-BREAKING SUPPORT PUTS
PROPOSITION 139 ON NOVEMBER BALLOT  
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Alexandra Jacobo
August 14, 2024
Nation of Change
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_ As Arizona’s abortion rights amendment heads to a vote this
November, the state’s largest-ever petition drive signals a pivotal
moment in the battle for reproductive freedom. _

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The fight for reproductive rights in Arizona has reached a critical
turning point as Proposition 139, a proposed constitutional amendment
to secure abortion rights, will be on the ballot this November. The
initiative’s path to the ballot is marked by a record-breaking
signature collection effort, reflecting widespread public support amid
a national landscape of increasing restrictions on abortion access.

Arizona has long been a battleground for abortion rights, with its
laws reflecting the broader national struggle over reproductive
health. The state’s history includes an 1864 territorial statute
that banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy, a law that was
reinstated in 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to
overturn _Roe v. Wade_. Although the archaic statute was eventually
repealed by Arizona’s Democratic governor, the state continues to
enforce a 15-week abortion ban, signed into law by former Republican
Governor Doug Ducey.

This 15-week ban allows for abortions only within the first trimester
and a few weeks beyond, with exceptions solely to save the life of the
pregnant person. The law also imposes significant barriers to abortion
access, including mandatory ultrasounds, waiting periods, and multiple
in-person visits, even when these requirements are medically
unnecessary. Critics of the law argue that it undermines women’s
autonomy and access to healthcare and warn that the 15-week limit
could be further restricted by future legislative actions.

The journey to place Proposition 139 on the ballot was spearheaded by
the Arizona for Abortion Access coalition, a diverse alliance of
reproductive rights groups, healthcare advocates, and community
organizations. This coalition mobilized an unprecedented grassroots
effort, ultimately gathering 577,971 verified signatures—well above
the 383,923 needed to qualify for the ballot. The Arizona Secretary of
State’s office confirmed that this was the highest number of
signatures ever certified for a ballot initiative in the state’s
history.

The coalition’s success in mobilizing voters is particularly notable
given the legal challenges they faced. Anti-abortion groups attempted
to derail the initiative by filing lawsuits, claiming that the
amendment’s wording was too confusing for voters. However, these
challenges were dismissed by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge
Melissa Iyer Julian, who ruled that the initiative’s language was
clear and accurate, stating, “This Court will not order its removal
from the general statewide election ballot.”

Proposition 139 aims to enshrine a fundamental right to abortion in
the Arizona State Constitution, allowing abortion up to the point of
fetal viability, generally considered to be around 22 to 25 weeks of
pregnancy. Importantly, the amendment also ensures that no law can
restrict a person from obtaining an abortion at any stage if their
life or health is at risk due to the pregnancy.

This amendment represents a significant shift from Arizona’s current
restrictive laws, providing broader protections for reproductive
rights. Under Proposition 139, any state-imposed restrictions on
abortion after fetal viability would need to meet strict criteria,
requiring a compelling reason and the least restrictive means possible
to interfere with this fundamental right.

The implications of Proposition 139 extend beyond Arizona’s borders.
Should the amendment pass, it would set a precedent for other states
considering similar measures, particularly in the wake of the Supreme
Court’s decision to dismantle federal protections for abortion
rights. Arizona’s vote could influence the national conversation on
reproductive health and inspire similar initiatives in states with
restrictive abortion laws.

Support for Proposition 139 has been overwhelming, with reproductive
rights advocates and healthcare professionals leading the charge.
Cheryl Bruce, campaign manager for Arizona for Abortion Access, called
the official certification of the ballot measure “a huge win” for
Arizona voters, emphasizing that it offers an opportunity to protect
the right to abortion care free from political interference.

Karla Gonzales Garcia, gender, sexuality, and identity director with
Amnesty International USA, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Today
marks an important and exciting turning point toward ensuring the
human right to abortion for Arizonans. The outpouring of support for
bringing this ballot initiative to the people for a vote clearly shows
that the human right to abortion is an important issue for
Arizonans.”

Opponents of the amendment, however, remain vocal, with anti-abortion
groups continuing to argue that Proposition 139 would undermine the
sanctity of life and allow for abortions well beyond what they deem
acceptable. These groups are expected to mount a vigorous campaign
leading up to the November vote, framing the amendment as extreme and
out of step with Arizona’s values.

Polling suggests that Proposition 139 has a strong chance of passing.
A CBS News poll conducted in May revealed that 65 percent of Arizona
voters support the initiative, with only 21 percent opposed. The
amendment’s success would not only solidify Arizona as a state
committed to reproductive rights but could also energize voters and
impact other key races in the 2024 elections.

Looking ahead, the outcome of Proposition 139 will have lasting
implications for Arizona and potentially influence national abortion
rights policies. If passed, it would protect abortion access in
Arizona, regardless of future changes in the federal landscape.
Conversely, if the amendment fails, Arizona could see a return to more
restrictive abortion laws, with severe consequences for reproductive
healthcare in the state.

Cheryl Bruce stated, “Arizonans will now get to vote yes on
restoring and protecting the right to access abortion care, free from
political interference, once and for all.”

_Alexandra Jacobo is a dedicated progressive writer, activist, and
mother with a deep-rooted passion for social justice and political
engagement. Her journey into political activism began in 2011 at
Zuccotti Park, where she supported the Occupy movement by distributing
blankets to occupiers, marking the start of her earnest commitment to
progressive causes._

_At NationofChange, our mission is to help people create a more
compassionate, responsible, and value-driven world, powered by
communities that focus on positive solutions to social and economic
problems. We strive to accomplish this mission through FEARLESS
JOURNALISM combined with BOOTS-ON-THE-GROUND ACTIVISM in order to
create real-world, actionable strategies for change._

* abortion rights
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* Arizona
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* Reproductive rights
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* Health Care
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