Arizona Coalition Pushes for Abortion Rights Amendment in State Constitution

A coalition of reproductive and civil rights groups in Arizona, led by the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, and NARAL, has launched a political action committee called Arizona for Abortion Access to advance a constitutional amendment that would enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution. They aim to place the amendment on the November 2024 ballot, seeking to protect reproductive rights in the post-Roe era. Similar efforts are underway in Ohio, Florida, and Missouri, while discussions are ongoing for initiatives in other states with restrictive abortion laws. The citizen-led ballot initiative process is seen as a way to bridge the gap between supportive voter attitudes on abortion and conservative legislatures. The proposed amendment in Arizona would allow abortions until about the 22nd week of pregnancy, with exceptions for the life and health of the mother. Anti-abortion groups have criticized the effort as extreme and barbaric.