Arizona Republicans blocked a vote to repeal an 1864 near-total abortion ban. The 19th century law only provides exceptions to save the life of the pregnant woman.
Only one Republican joined the Democratic minority, leaving one vote short of pushing the bill forward.
The law which was passed before Arizona became a state, makes abortion a felony for anyone who performs or helps a woman obtain an abortion.
If the 1864 ban were repealed, Arizona would revert to the 15-week ban that was invalidated by the court.
Faculty experts at the George Washington University are available to offer insight, analysis and commentary regarding the latest update on this case. To schedule an interview with an expert, please contact GW Media Relations at [email protected].
Law
Sonia Suter is a professor of law at the George Washington University Law School and founding director of the Health Law Initiative. She is an expert on issues at the intersection of law, medicine, and bioethics, with a particular focus on reproductive rights.
Public Health
Sara Rosenbaum, is the Emeritus Professor of Health Policy and Management, and previously served as founding Chair of the Milken Institute School of Public Health Department of Health Policy at George Washington University. She is a nationally recognized expert on health care access for vulnerable populations. She most recently worked on an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to protect health and uphold the Emergency Treatment and Labor Act.
Julia Strasser, is the executive director of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health and an assistant research professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. She is an expert on reproductive health care and access to essential care including abortion.
Elizabeth Borkowski is a senior research scientist in Health Policy and Management at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. Her areas of expertise include reproductive health and U.S. healthcare policy affecting women's health. She is available to comment on the science and safety of mifepristone.