Legislators in Arizona have passed a bill that will ban an abortion after 15 weeks into a pregnancy if enacted.
The legislation known as Senate Bill 1164, was passed by the state House of Representatives on Thursday in a vote of 31 ayes to 26 nays, with three not voting. It was approved by the state Senate last month. Governor of Arizona Doug Ducey, a pro-life Republican who has signed other abortion restrictions during his administration, is expected to sign SB 1164 in the near future.
The bill would make it a class 6 felony for any physician to intentionally perform or attempt to perform an abortion that is not medically necessary “when the gestational age exceeds 15 weeks.”
Center for Arizona Policy supporting the bill argued that the measure was necessary to protect developed unborn human life.
Cathi Herrod who is the President of Center for Arizona Policy said “Preborn babies at 15 weeks gestation have fully formed noses, eyelids, and lips, as well as developing hearts, kidneys, and other organs. They suck their thumbs, and they feel pain,”
“At 15 weeks gestation, the preborn baby does flips, hiccups, and has regular sleep patterns, according to expert testimony. These babies deserve our protection; their mothers deserve the truth, and they are worthy of protection from the trauma, regret, and pain of abortion.”
‘Arizona chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union’ criticizing the bill called on Ducey to veto what they consider a violation of “bodily autonomy.”
Jennifer Allen, executive director of the ACLU of Arizona stated: “Decisions about if and when to become a parent or have more children should be made by individuals, with support from their doctor and loved ones as needed,”