A major pro-life bill designed to protect the most vulnerable from discrimination, protect the safety and well-being of women, and establish the value of all human life in Arizona law is just one step away from Governor Ducey’s desk.

Arizona representatives passed SB 1457 on a party line vote of 31-29 after a contentious argument on the House floor. Republicans voted yes and Democrats voted no. Pro-abortion lawmakers tried every tactic available to stop the vote, but gratefully, pro-life legislators prevailed. Many spoke passionately about the duty to protect both baby and mother.

SB 1457 does that. It prohibits abortion based on the diagnosis of a genetic abnormality, except for those incompatible with life. It also protects women from the dangers of chemical abortions by ensuring the pills are not delivered through the mail, leaving women to fend for themselves as they endure the painful and risky ordeal alone. A do-it-yourself abortion can be deadly, and requires a doctor’s visit both before and after taking the abortion pills.

This is a commonsense bill, one all Arizonans should be able to support because it protects those with disabilities from discrimination inside the womb, just as Arizona law protects those with disabilities outside the womb. It also ensures women’s safety takes priority over the abortion industry’s bottom line.

I applaud the sponsor of SB 1457, Senator Nancy Barto, and all the members who voted in favor of this important and life-saving bill.

The bill now goes to the AZ Senate for a final vote. We pray it quickly passes the Senate and goes to Governor Ducey to be signed into law.