By Kiera Riley | State Affairs
A number of state abortion restrictions requiring additional appointments, waiting periods and state-mandated counseling were struck down Friday after a superior court judge determined the laws violated the state’s constitutional right to reproductive care.
Dr. Paul Isaacson, Dr. William Richardson and the Arizona Medical Association, represented by attorneys for the Center for Reproductive Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union, filed a lawsuit to strike down the following laws:
- “Reason Ban Scheme,” which outlaws abortion based on genetic abnormalities
- “Two Trip Scheme,” which requires an appointment at least 24 hours before an abortion with a mandate that medical professionals provide a list of risks, alternatives and resources if a person decides against abortion
- “Telemedicine Ban Scheme,” which bans virtual prescriptions and sending abortion medication through the mail
Judge Greg Como found the laws restricted or interfered with the right to an abortion and trampled on personal autonomy. And, he concluded the laws’ defenders, Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Steve Montenegro, did not demonstrate a compelling state interest.
