Attorney General Mayes expressed strong disapproval of legislative Republicans for their decision to block the repeal of a longstanding abortion ban from 1864. The Attorney General released a statement criticizing the Legislature's failure to revoke the near-total abortion ban, which she described as "outrageous."
According to Mayes, "It is abundantly clear that the majority party wants this 160-year-old law to take effect." She emphasized that repealing such an old law does not require complicated decision-making. The Attorney General highlighted her concerns over the lack of exceptions in the law for cases of rape or incest.
Mayes accused Republicans of endangering women's health and lives in Arizona and criticized them for potentially criminalizing healthcare professionals who provide care to patients. She stated, "Shame on the Republicans for risking the health and lives of women in this state and for criminalizing doctors and nurses for caring for their patients."
The Attorney General concluded by indicating that her office is developing a strategy to counteract what she termed an "abhorrent" law. She promised further updates on actions her office plans to take in response.