Supreme Courts in 3 states address abortion access
This week, the Supreme Courts of Arizona, Wyoming, and New Mexico are set to hear crucial cases concerning abortion access, which could significantly impact reproductive rights in these states.
In Arizona, the Supreme Court will decide which of two conflicting abortion laws will be enforced. One law, dating back to 1864, is a near-total ban on abortion, while a more recent law, passed just before Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, prohibits abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The ruling will clarify which law, or combination of laws, applies in Arizona. The state’s Attorney General has indicated she will not prosecute doctors for performing abortions, and the Governor has issued an executive order giving the Attorney General the final say on abortion-related prosecutions.
In Wyoming, the state Supreme Court will hear arguments about the standing of two state lawmakers and an anti-abortion group to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the state’s pro-life laws. This lawsuit involves the Life Is a Human Right Act, which prohibits chemical and surgical abortions in most circumstances. Currently, abortion is legal in Wyoming up to the point of viability.
In New Mexico, the state Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether the state constitution protects a right to abortion. This follows a petition by the state Attorney General asking the court to strike down local pro-life ordinances in several cities and counties. The Attorney General argues that abortion rights are implied in several sections of the New Mexico Constitution, while opponents, such as Roosevelt County, argue that there is no constitutional right to abortion.
These cases are being closely watched as they could set significant precedents for abortion access and regulation in these states and potentially influence the broader national discourse on reproductive rights.
