Leading Abortion Rights Group Condemns Arizona Ruling Triggering Near-Total Abortion Ban  

The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) strongly condemns the Arizona State Supreme Court decision today, which will effectively ban all abortions when it goes into effect, reverting Arizona back to a Civil War-era abortion ban. Abortion access in Arizona is currently limited by a 15-week ban.  

“Everyone should be able to control their bodies, lives, and futures, full stop,” said Kelli Garcia, Interim Vice President of Programs and Partnerships at NIRH. “This ruling is a drastic and cruel assault on abortion access; if it goes into effect, it will push abortion care out of reach for Arizonians and those who may travel to Arizona for care, and will disproportionately harm communities who already face the most barriers to care. For now abortion care remains legal in Arizona up to 15 weeks. Nevertheless, our thoughts are with the providers, advocates, and people seeking care in Arizona as they navigate this torrential landscape.” 

“And let’s be clear: inserting government interference into decision-making about pregnancy and abortion will only harm people’s health and lives. We know that so-called ‘exceptions’ ring hollow and do not offer meaningful ways for people to get the care they need. We can and will continue to fight for a world where everyone can make decisions about their pregnancies, futures, and lives — including whether to have an abortion freely and without government interference. Abortion policy must be expansive and leave no one behind.” 

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The National Institute for Reproductive Health (NIRH) is an advocacy group that works directly with state and local reproductive health, rights, and justice organizations and allied groups to protect and advance just and equitable access to reproductive healthcare. Our strategy is to go on the offensive to pass laws that safeguard reproductive freedom. NIRH partners with communities to build coalitions, launch campaigns, and successfully advocate for policy change, so the fabric of reproductive freedom is harder to tear apart.