Arizona Republicans Evaluate Options to Block Possible Ballot Initiative Advocating Abortion Rights this Fall

Arizona Republicans Evaluate Options to Block Possible Ballot Initiative Possible Ballot Initiative Advocating Abortion Rights this Fall abortion rights

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Apr 16, 02:57 am

Photo: (Photo : FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images )

Arizona Republicans are exploring strategies to counter a potential ballot initiative supporting abortion rights this autumn, as revealed in a draft proposal.

Prevention of the Potential Ballot Initiative Supporting Abortion Rights

One tactic involves introducing their ballot measures, potentially restricting abortion access to either six weeks or the beginning of the 15th week of pregnancy.

This proposal, crafted by Linley Wilson, the general counsel to Arizona House Republicans, emerges shortly after the Arizona Supreme Court revived a centuries-old near-total abortion ban.

In response, Arizona for Abortion Access, an association of abortion rights supporters, has gathered over 500,000 signatures to place a constitutional modification on the November ballot safeguarding abortion until fetal life, estimated around 22 to 24 weeks.

The pressure on Arizona Republicans to address abortion rights was magnified after the latest state Supreme Court decision.

House GOP Speaker Ben Toma clarified that the document presents ideas for internal discussion within the caucus, emphasizing the exploration of options regarding the subject.

The memo outlines the potential advantages of the proposed strategy, including the possibility of causing the failure of the Arizona for Abortion Access Initiative by splitting the vote.

However, it also acknowledges the downside of transferring the regulation of abortion from the legislature to voters.

The mentioned ballot initiatives are part of a multiphase approach aimed at either blocking the Arizona for Abortion Access initiative or preserving lawmakers' authority to regulate abortion access.

Abortion rights groups have seen accomplishments with ballot initiatives since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

The memo references several such initiatives, including the one in Arizona. Arizona for Abortion Access criticized the draft strategy memo, labeling it a political maneuver designed to sow confusion.

Arizona Republicans Evaluate Options to Block Possible Ballot Initiative

In response to the state Supreme Court verdict, House Republicans adjourned early to avert Democrats from canceling the ban. The legislature is set to reconvene on Wednesday.

While some Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and Senate candidate Kari Lake, have urged cooperation with Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs on a solution, the projected strategy by Wilson recommends different methods.

Under Phase One, lawmakers would seek to add a measure to the November ballot allowing regulation of certain abortion practices.

Phase Two involves referring to a six-week ban and another measure described as a "14-week law disguised as a 15-week law."

The memo also proposes an alternative to Phase Two, wherein lawmakers would refer to a conditional enactment of the abortion rights ballot initiative, allowing for laws regulating abortion for reasons such as fetal pain mitigation.

Any ballot initiative referred by the Republican-led legislature would not require the signature of Hobbs.

However, it remains uncertain whether Republicans, holding narrow majorities in the state House and Senate, would garner enough support to implement the outlined plan.

The memo concludes with a meme featuring talk show host Seth Meyers, suggesting a sense of ease with the proposed strategy.