Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Joseph Mikitish this week issued a stay on an Arizona abortion law passed in the 1970’s.
The judge accepted a joint motion by Attorney General Mark Brnovich and attorneys representing the Arizona Medical Association which will allow a newer bill, passed in 2022 by the Arizona State Legislature, that bans abortions after 15-weeks of pregnancy.
The deal Brnovich cut with pro-choice groups remains in place until the courts rule on a Planned Parenthood lawsuit, which is expected to go up to the Arizona Supreme Court.
Planned Parenthood is fighting a judge’s ruling that lifted an injunction on Arizona’s older abortion statute. That statute, A.R.S. § 13-3603, prohibits people from performing abortions unless necessary to save the life of the mother.
The Arizona law in question was in effect on January 22, 1973, when Roe v. Wade was handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court, and it was reaffirmed by the Arizona Legislature in 1977.
Planned Parenthood Sues To Stay Ruling On Arizona Abortion Law