Arizona Senate approves bill to abolish state’s near-total abortion ban from 1864

Democrats in the Arizona Senate secured enough votes to repeal a Civil War-era ban on abortions after the state’s highest court allowed it to take effect. The Senate had the 16 votes needed to advance the bill, with Democrats and two Republicans in favor. The ban only permits abortions to save the patient’s life, with no exceptions for rape or incest survivors. If repealed, a new law banning abortions after 15 weeks would become effective. Despite disruptions from protesters, the bill passed, with advocates on both sides of the issue present. The issue may also appear on the November ballot with competing proposals.

Read more on apnews.com