The Federal Court of Appeals in Arizona temporarily paused a lower-court ruling that had allowed a regional abortion statute to take effect. The law, framed to permit termination of pregnancy up to 15 weeks, faced immediate legal challenges as questions about its compatibility with federal constitutional principles arose once again.
The pause comes amid lingering uncertainty about abortion rights in the state following a major shift in the legal landscape after the Supreme Court’s landmark decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. With that ruling repealed, Arizona reactivated a historic 1864 statute that threatened prison terms of up to five years for anyone who helps a person terminate a pregnancy. The situation created a legal patchwork that left many clinics unsure how to proceed in the weeks ahead.
Governor Doug Ducey stated that the 2022 law, which became effective only recently, should be interpreted as taking precedence over the earlier ban, extending access to abortion up to 15 weeks in most cases. The governor cited the need for clear state guidance and noted that exceptions would apply when the life of the mother is at risk, a detail reported by the local press outlet the Republic of Arizona.
In its decision, the appellate court signaled a duty to harmonize the state’s conflicting abortion statutes and emphasized the importance of providing clarity. The judges said that while the temporary suspension is not a final ruling on the policy, it serves the broader goal of reducing confusion about how criminal laws should be applied during this period of transition.
Planned Parenthood affiliates in Arizona welcomed the pause as a measure that allows clinics to resume services under a known framework while potential legal questions are resolved. They also cautioned that the arrangement is temporary and that older restrictions could be reinstated if the court ultimately determines the newer statute does not withstand constitutional scrutiny.
Officials at Planned Parenthood stressed that the ongoing policy debate leaves patients and providers navigating a precarious landscape. They argued that any suspension of the previous ban should not be taken as a guarantee of broad access and that health care for many Arizonans could be affected, including survivors of sexual assault and individuals facing other serious medical concerns.
State Attorney General Mark Brnovich commented that the decision touches on emotionally charged issues and said a careful review of the court’s ruling would guide the next steps. He anticipated further deliberation to determine how best to align state law with evolving legal interpretations while protecting the safety and rights of residents.