A Federal District Court has ruled that HB 2036, known as the Mother’s Health & Safety Act, is constitutional and denied the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Center for Reproductive Rights’ request to stop the law from taking effect.
The law regulates abortion by prohibiting most abortions after 20 weeks of a pregnancy.
The Court writes in its opinion that the law is constitutional because of the greater risk abortion after 20 weeks of a pregnancy presents to the mother’s life, along with the scientific data that proves preborn children can feel pain.
The Court wrote “Given the nature of [abortion procedures], and the finding that the unborn child has developed pain sensors all over its body by 20 weeks gestational age, the Court finds that the State has shown a legitimate interest in limiting abortions past 20 weeks.”
“Furthermore … Arizona expressed concerns for the health of the pregnant woman, finding that the instance of complications is highest after 20 weeks of gestation. This additional legitimate interest further supports HB 2036’s regulation on abortions.”
You can read the Court’s opinion here.
The law is scheduled to take effect this Thursday, August 2. Stay tuned for any further updates on this law.