ARIZONA NEWS

Proposed Arizona ballot initiative to ensure abortion rights running out of time

Jun 30, 2022, 2:00 PM | Updated: 9:53 pm

PHOENIX – Proponents of a ballot initiative to amend Arizona’s constitution to guarantee abortion rights have a week left to gather enough signatures to put the issue before voters this year.

Arizonans for Reproductive Freedom has until July 7 to turn in 356,467 valid signatures. If the group comes up short, the proposed amendment would have to wait until 2024 for its next chance to make the ballot, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs said.

“The threshold is extremely high,” Hobbs told told KTAR News 92.3 FM last week after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in a ruling that gave states authority over abortion laws. “I’m not sure if they’re going to make that deadline, and that would be the last opportunity to have it on this November’s ballot.”

In Arizona, most abortions will likely be illegal if the initiative effort fails.

Arizonans for Reproductive Freedom has a searchable map and list of locations across the state where supporters can sign petitions or pick them up to help gather signatures.

The Tucson-based group filed the proposed amendment with Hobbs’ office, which oversees voter initiatives, on May 16. That was before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last week but after a leaked draft opinion tipped off the high court’s intention.

The proposed amendment would give individuals the right to make decisions on “all matters relating to pregnancy, including but not limited to prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, contraception, sterilization, abortion care, miscarriage management and infertility care.”

With Roe v. Wade no longer in effect, Arizona apparently will be governed by a pre-statehood law that bans all abortions except to save the mother’s life unless it’s changed by state lawmakers or a voter initiative. Mothers aren’t be subject to punishment under the law, but doctors performing abortions could be sentenced to 2-5 years in prison.

The courts could also have a say in the matter if there are legal challenges to the ban.

Attorney General Mark Brnovich said Wednesday his office will file a request to lift an injunction on ARS 13-3603, the statue that includes the territorial-era abortion ban.

“It’s important to note that the attorney general offering this opinion certainly carries a lot of weight, but that does not make it the law,” Phoenix attorney Barry Markson told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “There will likely be court hearings and the courts will decide.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Fiesta Mall rezoning...

Aaron Schmidt

Mesa City Council approves Fiesta Mall rezoning, clearing way for redevelopment project

The Mesa City Council unanimously approved a rezoning application for the vacant Fiesta Mall on Monday, clearing way for a major redevelopment project.

35 minutes ago

Maricopa County is allocating $7.5 million to help support people experiencing homelessness in Phoe...

Kevin Stone

Maricopa County provides $7.5M to support people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix

Maricopa County is allocating $7.5 million to support people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix, officials announced Wednesday.

2 hours ago

An Avondale man was arrested for allegedly killing his brother-in-law on Nov. 25, 2024....

KTAR.com

Avondale man accused of fatally shooting brother-in-law during domestic dispute

A man is dead and his brother-in-law is accused of murder after a domestic violence shooting in Avondale last month, authorities said.

3 hours ago

Drug Enforcement Administration personnel were involved in a shooting in Glendale, Arizona, on Wedn...

KTAR.com

Investigation underway after shooting in Glendale involving federal agents

Federal agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration were involved in a shooting in Glendale on Wednesday night, authorities said.

4 hours ago

Anti-death penalty activists demonstrate outside the U.S. Supreme Court Building on July 2, 2024, i...

Kevin Stone

Arizona lawmaker introduces measure to abolish death penalty

As prosecutors move to carry out Arizona’s first execution in more than two years, a state lawmaker is renewing her effort to abolish the death penalty.

6 hours ago

Construction of a new dual-branded Hilton Hotel in Mesa kicked off on Dec. 5, 2024. (Photo via VIVO...

Serena O'Sullivan

Developers break ground on dual-branded Hilton hotel in Mesa

Vivi Development Partners has broken ground on new Mesa hotel. It includes features from two of Hilton's brands: Tempo and Homewood Suites.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Act Now: Secure Your HVAC Equipment Before Prices Rise in 2025!

Phoenix, AZ – As the year draws to a close, Collins Comfort Masters is urging homeowners and businesses to take advantage of current pricing on HVAC equipment.

...

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Clinics – Providing Comprehensive, Thorough and Unrushed Healthcare to the Valley Community

With so many options for healthcare in the Valley, why should you choose a clinic that has graduate medical students integrated into the patient experience?

Proposed Arizona ballot initiative to ensure abortion rights running out of time