Former GOP governor says Arizona abortion ruling not ‘preferred’ outcome

Doug Ducey, the former Republican governor of Arizona who signed its 15-week abortion restriction into law, said Tuesday’s ruling from the state’s Supreme Court banning nearly all abortions was not his “preferred” outcome.

“I signed the 15-week law as Governor because it is thoughtful conservative policy, and an approach to this very sensitive issue that Arizonans can actually agree on,” Ducey posted on the social platform X.

“The ruling today is not the outcome I would have preferred, and I call on our elected leaders to heed the will of the people and address this issue with a policy that is workable and reflective of our electorate,” he continued.

In a 4-2 decision, the Arizona Supreme Court rejected arguments that it should uphold the 15-week abortion ban signed by Ducey in 2022 and enforced since the reversal of Roe v. Wade.

The ruling upheld a law from 1864 that makes performing an abortion a felony. The Civil War-era law was passed before Arizona became a state.

The law will go into effect in 14 days, though it’s unclear how it will be enforced.

State Attorney General Kris Mayes (D) said Tuesday’s decision is “far from the end of the debate” on reproductive freedom in the state.

“Let me be completely clear, as long as I am Attorney General, no woman or doctor will be prosecuted under this draconian law in this state,” she said in a statement.

The law will make abortion a felony punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs or helps a woman obtain an abortion. The exception is for “when it is necessary” to save a pregnant person’s life.

Voters will have the opportunity to remove the restrictions through a ballot measure in November, but politicians on both sides of the aisle called for more immediate actions from the state Legislature.

Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) called it is “a dark day in Arizona.”

“Let me be clear. Arizona’s 2022 abortion ban is extreme and hurts women and the near total Civil War era ban that continues to hang over our heads only serves to create more chaos for women and doctors in our state,” Hobbs said at a press conference.