Abortion businesses file lawsuit to end pro-life protections in Arizona

Two abortion businesses in Arizona have filed a lawsuit to overturn several pro-life protections in the state, arguing that a state amendment passed last fall in which abortion was enshrined as a constitutional “right” means that there should be no restrictions on abortion.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Center for Reproductive Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on behalf of two abortion businesses in Arizona.

• The lawsuit seeks to see regulations on abortion in the state completely lifted following the passage of a pro-abortion state amendment in 2024.

• The Center for Arizona Policy has not yet determined if it will challenge the lawsuit.

THE DETAILS: 

The Center for Reproductive Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit on May 22 on behalf of two abortion businesses in the state. According to a press release, the lawsuit targets “three groups of laws encompassing dozens of statutes and regulations” regarding abortion; notably, laws that prohibit abortion due to the preborn child having genetic anomalies, informed consent laws requiring a 24-hour waiting period and an ultrasound prior to the abortion, and laws prohibiting mail-order abortion pills.

The pro-abortion groups hope to ride on the coattails of a March victory in which a judge ruled in their favor by overturning the state’s law restricting abortion after 15 weeks. Abortion for any reason, without limit, appears to be the ultimate goal.

“We are carrying out the will of the voters,” said Nancy Northup, Center President and CEO. “The public and the constitution are aligned—now it’s time for the law to catch up.”

READ: Abortion pill led to incredible trauma: ‘I saw parts of my baby’

Dr. Paul Isaacson, co-owner of the Family Planning Associates Medical Group and a plaintiff in the case, called the current laws “harmful,” although in fact, they are only in place to ensure that women are kept informed and safe.

“The state of Arizona has forced me to compromise my duty as a doctor to provide my patients with accurate information and the safest, most compassionate care possible,” Isaacson claimed. “I am hopeful that the courts will see these unnecessary, harmful restrictions for what they are and honor what the majority of Arizonans want: the right to decide what’s best for their own health and future.”

Peter Gentala, president of the conservative organization Center for Arizona Policy, told the Associated Press it was too soon to determine whether or not his organization would challenge the lawsuit, but, he noted, “Women’s health is important and this lawsuit reflects an agenda to maximize abortion in Arizona and that comes at a cost to women’s health.”

THE BOTTOM LINE: 

If the pro-abortion groups are successful in their latest legal challenge, preborn child who receive a genetic diagnosis will no longer be protected from abortion in Arizona. In addition, women in Arizona will lose their right to informed consent prior to an abortion, as well as protection from mail-order abortion pills, which have proven to be dangerous.