Arizona’s abortion law is unconstitutional, according to a federal appeals court. About a year ago, the state banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy except in medical emergencies. But a circuit court now ruled that the government has no right to ban an abortion before a fetus “is viable.” The judge said the state “may not proscribe a woman from electing abortion, nor may it impose an undue burden on her choice through regulation.” Time will tell what this ruling means—particularly in other states with tough abortion restrictions such as North Dakota, which has banned abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
“Today’s decision is a huge victory in the fight to protect women’s fundamental reproductive rights, and it should send a clear message to anti-choice politicians that their attempts to deprive pregnant women of critical health care are clearly unconstitutional and will not hold up in court," said Sally Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights.
