The Arizona Supreme Court‘s ruling on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit from an anti-abortion group, ensuring that a measure to secure abortion rights in the state Constitution will be on the November ballot. The court upheld a previous decision, affirming that the 200-word summary used to inform voters and gather signatures accurately represented the measure without misleading information.
In its five-page ruling, the court confirmed that the initiative’s core objectives include establishing a fundamental right to abortion under Arizona law, detailing this right’s scope before and after fetal viability, and barring the state from penalizing individuals who assist others in exercising this right. The court deemed the summary to effectively communicate these provisions without distortion.
Arizona Supreme Court upholds measure securing abortion rights on November ballot
The court also dismissed the argument that the initiative was misleading, stating that such claims fell outside its purview. This decision is a victory for Democrats advocating for abortion protections in Arizona. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes announced earlier this month that the initiative had gathered sufficient valid signatures to proceed.
Arizona for Abortion Access hailed the ruling as a remarkable win for voters and democratic participation. The organization welcomed the opportunity for Proposition 139, the Arizona Abortion Access Act, to be voted on, asserting that it represents a crucial step toward safeguarding abortion rights in the state. They are optimistic that the November vote will affirm these protections and make a historic change.
