Republican State Senators Shawnna Bollick (District 2) and T.J. Shope (District 8) voted with Democrats Wednesday to approve the repeal of the current abortion law in Arizona.
State Senator Jake Hoffman (District 15), Chair of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, asserted in his remarks on the floor that Republicans “got rolled” as Democrats expedited the repeal of the 1864 law through strategic tactics aimed at bypassing procedural rules. He stated that Republicans “don’t roll their colleagues” very often, but when they do, it’s always to the detriment of Arizonans. Hoffman added that the 1864 law was “one of the best, strongest pro-life measures in the country” and that it is reflective of our founding fathers’ intent: the right to life.
State Senate Majority Leader Sonny Borelli (District 30) criticized the decision, stating that bringing this vote forward was a violation of the process. He emphasized the lack of debate, committee involvement, or discussion; noting that everything was bypassed.
State Senator Bolick, married to Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick – who ironically is part of the majority on the Court that upheld the current law – faced disruptions from both the gallery and fellow state senators as she spoke for over twenty minutes in a floor speech prior to the vote. She detailed her personal experiences with pregnancy complications while emphasizing that “every pregnancy is different.”
Abortion has become a rallying cry for Democrats seeking to enshrine abortion rights until birth in the state constitution through a November ballot measure. Bolick stated that she “wants to protect our state constitution from unlimited abortions up until the moment of birth” and said her vote was to protect “more babies.” T.J. Shope did not comment on his vote. Senator Anthony Kern (District 27) strongly stated, “we are voting for death.”
The Arizona ban, which initially came into effect after Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022 but was later blocked by the courts, had been reinstated following a recent ruling by the state’s highest court. The repeal of the 1864 law potentially reinstates a 15-week abortion ban. Governor Katie Hobbs is anticipated to sign the repeal, but the future of abortion in Arizona remains uncertain. If signed, it will not go into effect until six weeks after the legislature is out of session. With the legislature meeting only once per week, it is uncertain when this will occur.
Republican senators argued that labeling it a “territorial ban” was dishonest, accusing the media and Democrats of misrepresentation. Borelli noted in a floor speech that in 1977, despite Roe, the Arizona legislature recodified the 1864 law, making a symbolic statement on abortion. This historical oversight highlights ongoing debates about the media’s role in political messaging. Borelli questioned the evolution of the Democratic Party’s stance on abortion, recalling a time when they believed it should be safe, legal, and rare. He said the false narrative about the “territorial ban” was perpetuated by progressive partners purposely perpetrating a false narrative.
Passionate pro-life and pro-choice supporters filled the gallery and courtyard, voicing and at times shouting their beliefs. As the debate unfolds, it’s evident that this issue will remain a lightning rod going into November’s election.
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Christy Kelly is a reporter at The Arizona Sun Times and The Star News Network. Follow Christy on Twitter / X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photos by Christy Kelly.
