PHOENIX-Arizona Gov. Katy issued an executive order on Friday transferring prosecutorial powers in abortion-related cases to Arizona Attorney General Chris Mays.
The move will protect doctors and abortion providers from prosecution in the state.
“I promised the people of Arizona that I will do everything in my power to protect their reproductive freedom, and this executive order reflects that commitment,” Hobbs said in a statement. “I will not allow extreme and unorthodox politicians to interfere with the fundamental right that Arizonans have to make decisions about their bodies and futures. I support access to safe and legal abortion. I will continue to fight in any way I can to expand the “
The pro-choice Arizonan considers this a win.
“We’re used to having really bad news on Fridays. We just got some great news for the state of Arizona on Friday, so I’m really happy,” said Amy Fitch, Arizona’s official and public affairs officer. Mr Heacock said. “For reproductive freedom,” he said. It takes a focused approach to prosecution, leaving it to the discretion of the Attorney General rather than county attorneys, who may throw in their personal biases as to whether or not to prosecute. This is a very important step taken by Governor Hobbes and Attorney General Mays to ensure that people are not prosecuted for seeking medical care.
The order also states that Arizona will reject extradition requests from other states seeking to prosecute those who provided or received abortion services.
Cathy Herrod is chairman of the pro-life organization Center for Arizona Policy.
Herrod issued the following statement on Friday:
“Arizona State Law, ARS 41-101, Article 8, provides that the governor “may request the attorney general to assist the county attorney in the performance of his duties.” Support is not meant to replace or replace. Governor Hobbes has exceeded his powers as governor. The law does not allow her to deprive the county attorney of the distinct executive powers granted under various Arizona laws. A better approach would be for Gov. Hobbes to follow through on Dobbs’ death anniversary. Serving all Arizonans, starting with uniting to find ways to meet the needs of pregnant women.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover echoed that sentiment, praising the governor’s decision.
“We agree with the governor on both the urgency and gravity of this very specific situation. , there has been quite a period of time when health care providers only felt safe and secure in providing care in Pima County, which is an unacceptable equal protection issue, especially for rural communities. is dangerous.Physicians should feel comfortable that they can treat patients and not worry about making health decisions when needed.We should be free to make these decisions. In the spirit of correcting this constitutional injustice, I will voluntarily direct all criminal referrals to the Attorney General.”
A 15-week abortion ban is in effect statewide.
A rally will be held on Saturday to mark the first anniversary of the Ro V. Wade comeback. This is part of a day of action carried out nationwide by organizations that support the choice.
The rally will begin at 10 a.m. at the U.S. District Court in downtown Tucson.
