Arizona’s Supreme Court ruling allowing a Civil War-era abortion ban to take effect has reignited the debate over abortion rights in the state. The 1864 law makes it a felony to perform an abortion, except in cases where the life of the mother is in danger, superseding Arizona’s current law that prohibits abortions past 15 weeks of pregnancy. However, voters will have the opportunity in November to overturn this ruling with a constitutional amendment declaring a “fundamental right” to abortion up until fetal viability, or about 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Democrats see the abortion issue as a key opportunity to mobilize their supporters in the swing state of Arizona, where President Joe Biden narrowly won in 2020. Campaigning on abortion rights has proven successful in other states, such as Michigan, where a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion helped elect Democrats to control of the state legislature and reelected Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Democrats believe that focusing on abortion rights could help boost turnout among their supporters in Arizona and potentially secure their hold on the state.
Despite the potential for increased Democratic turnout, there are concerns that the pro-abortion rights ballot issue could also motivate more Republican voters to go to the polls. In states where abortion rights measures have been approved by voters, Republicans have made up a significant share of the votes. This could present a challenge for Democrats as they seek to use the abortion issue to their advantage in key battleground states.
The Biden campaign has expressed confidence in the ability of abortion-rights ballot issues to draw their supporters to the polls, even in tough-to-win states like Florida. Florida’s Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of a six-week abortion ban, but voters will have the opportunity in November to decide on a constitutional amendment that would enshrine the right to abortion, superseding the new law. The campaign’s messaging on abortion rights continues to be a central part of their strategy, particularly in light of former President Donald Trump’s recent comments on the issue.
Trump’s statement declaring that abortion should be a state issue has raised questions about his stance on a potential federal abortion ban. The Biden campaign has seized on this ambiguity to attack Trump, suggesting that he would support a federal abortion ban if elected. This has prompted some Republicans to distance themselves from Trump’s position, highlighting the complexities of the abortion debate within the Republican Party.
As the debate over abortion rights intensifies in Arizona and other key battleground states, the issue is likely to play a significant role in shaping the political landscape leading up to the November elections. Both Democrats and Republicans are seeking to leverage the abortion issue to mobilize their respective bases and secure victories in key races. The outcome of these battles could have far-reaching implications for the future of abortion rights and reproductive health policy in the United States.
