OLYMPIA, Wash. – An Arizona Supreme Court ruling enforcing a Civil War era near-total abortion ban drew sharp criticism from Washington Democrats on Tuesday.
The Arizona ruling, which bans abortion from the moment of conception and has no rape or incest exceptions, was denounced by Governor Jay Inslee (D) via social media.
“Republican efforts to ban abortion have literally taken us back to the 19th Century. It’s a stark reminder no one can stay on the sidelines in this fight to preserve choice,” Inslee said.
It has been a difficult week for Republicans on abortion messaging. Presidential candidate Donald Trump has publicly disagreed with Senator Lindsey Graham (R) on a potential federal abortion ban.
Trump argued that a federal ban was a losing political choice heading into the 2024 general election as President Joe Biden continues to challenge the GOP on reproductive rights.
Senator Patty Murray (D) argued that the Arizona ruling represents a new level of political extremism on the American right.
“This extreme abortion ban dating back to 1864…before women had the right to vote…will mean more women will suffer in Arizona, more women will be forced to flee their home state for basic health care,” Murray said.
The Arizona law is on hold for two weeks while additional constitutional issues are considered by the state court system. If the ruling is upheld, Arizona will become the most legally conservative state on abortion rights in the US.
