In a recent communication to Arizona's hospitals and medical providers, Attorney General Kris Mayes clarified the timeline for the potential implementation of the state's 1864 near-total abortion ban. According to Mayes, the earliest date this law could take effect is June 8, 2024. Until then, healthcare providers can continue offering services in line with the 15-week abortion law enacted in 2022.
"Absent any additional litigation or action by the Legislature, the status-quo remains in place concerning abortion law in our state until June 8, 2024," stated Attorney General Mayes. She emphasized that her office is exploring legal avenues to prevent the old ban from taking effect. "But health care providers can be assured that because of a separate court order in Isaacson v. State, the territorial-era ban will not take effect until 45 days after the Arizona Supreme Court issues the final mandate in Planned Parenthood vs. Mayes/Hazelrigg."
The final mandate is set to be issued on April 24, 2024, making June 8, 2024, a critical date.
Attorney General Mayes has been actively engaging with healthcare professionals across Arizona. She recently met with over 40 representatives from hospitals and clinics and held another meeting with more than 25 abortion care providers and specialists in reproductive health. These discussions aimed to understand better the challenges faced due to both the potential enactment of the historical abortion ban and changes following Roe v. Wade's overturning nearly two years ago.
Medical providers are reportedly facing difficult circumstances as they strive to deliver essential care while complying with existing laws. Legislative Republicans have blocked efforts to repeal the outdated legislation.
"The heart-wrenching decisions doctors and nurses will have to make if this 1864 law takes effect are unconscionable," said Attorney General Mayes. She criticized legislative Republicans for preferring laws created by men from over a century ago when women's rights were limited and Arizona was not yet a state. "My office will continue to do everything we can to support our medical professionals as they work to provide care for their patients, which is already complicated under the current 15-week abortion ban."
Mayes concluded by emphasizing that such medical decisions should remain private matters between patients and their doctors.