Arizona judge rejects wording for a state abortion ballot measure. Republicans plan to appeal
Updated 12:20 AM CDT, July 27, 2024
PHOENIX (AP) — A judge on Friday rejected an effort by GOP lawmakers to use the term “unborn human being” to refer to a fetus in the pamphlet that Arizona voters would use to weigh a ballot measure that would expand abortion access in the state.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Christopher Whitten said the wording the state legislative council suggested is “packed with emotion and partisan meaning” and asked for what he called more “neutral” language. The measure aims to expand abortion access from 15 weeks to 24 weeks, the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb.
It would allow exemptions to save the woman’s life or to protect her physical or mental health. It would also prevent the state from adopting or enforcing laws that would forbid access to the procedure.
Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma, a co-chair of the legislative council, said the group will appeal the court’s decision to the state Supreme Court.
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https://apnews.com/article/arizona-abortion-initiative-pamphlet-language-1bbb4e682c2aecd6bac600e21460b0b1