Anti-abortion activists in Phoenix continued their protests outside of abortion clinics despite a recent Arizona Supreme Court ruling that an 1864 abortion law was enforceable. The law outlaws abortion from the moment of conception, with exceptions only to save the woman’s life. The ruling effectively overrides a lower court decision that a recent 15-week ban superseded the law. Activists like Matt Engelthaler held signs outside clinics, trying to dissuade people from seeking abortions even though clinics can continue to operate for at least two weeks due to the ruling being put on hold.
Reproductive rights advocates and supporters have criticized the 1864 law as “draconian” and argued that such an outdated policy has no place in the modern political landscape. However, anti-abortion activists like Lynn Dyer see the ruling as a victory in protecting innocent lives. Dyer believes it is always wrong to kill an innocent child, regardless of when the law was implemented. The decision has caused a divide in opinions on the issue of abortion rights in Arizona as activists continue to advocate for their beliefs on both sides of the debate.
At Acacia Women’s Center, anti-abortion activists took a more aggressive approach, posting large signs with a doctor’s name and face alleging that he “kills 150 innocent babies here every month.” Some activists used megaphones and approached individuals entering the center, urging them not to go inside and not to receive an abortion. James Baird expressed concern over the lack of penalization for women who attempt to perform DIY abortions. He believes that women should face consequences under the law for attempting to perform abortions on themselves, calling for greater protection of unborn babies.
The ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court is seen as another setback for abortion rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, which guaranteed a constitutional right to abortion for nearly half a century. Since then, many states have passed laws severely restricting or banning access to abortions, leading to a wave of legal challenges. Former President Donald Trump has previously taken credit for appointing Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, and has stated that abortion decisions should be left to the states to decide. The ongoing debate over abortion rights continues to be a contentious issue with strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
As the anti-abortion protests continue outside of clinics in Phoenix, the debate over abortion rights in Arizona remains ongoing. While some view the recent ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court as a victory for protecting innocent lives, others argue that the 1864 law is outdated and has no place in modern society. Activists on both sides of the issue are actively advocating for their beliefs, with tensions running high between those who support abortion rights and those who advocate for restrictions on access to abortion. The future of abortion laws in Arizona and across the country remains uncertain as the legal battle over reproductive rights continues to unfold amidst ongoing protests and advocacy efforts.
