Former President Trump Reiterates Support for State Control on Abortion
Former President Trump reiterated his stance on abortion laws, emphasizing that they should be determined by individual states rather than through national mandates. In a press conference in Atlanta, Trump expressed his disagreement with any national restrictions on abortion, citing the recent Arizona Supreme Court decision upholding a long-standing abortion ban dating back to the Civil War era. Trump highlighted the consensus among legal experts supporting state jurisdiction over abortion regulations and touted his influence in reshaping the Supreme Court, claiming credit for shifting its stance on Roe v. Wade.
Arizona’s Dual Abortion Laws to Coexist, Legal Experts Say
Arizona’s Supreme Court issued a significant ruling that revived a 160-year-old abortion law, sparking discussions about the coexistence of this historical law with more recent legislation. Constitutional law expert Emily Ward explained that while the older law applies broadly, a newer ban specifically targets physicians but doesn’t extend to prosecution of women or doctors under Attorney General Kris Mayes’ leadership. The recent law prohibits abortions after 15 weeks except in cases endangering the mother’s life, whereas the 1864 law imposes a blanket ban with exceptions for maternal risk.
President Biden Appeals to Voters on Abortion Rights
President Biden responded to concerns over the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision by urging voters to support him in the upcoming election to safeguard abortion access. The court’s ruling, which maintains the 160-year-old ban on abortions except when the mother’s life is at risk, has intensified the debate ahead of the presidential race. Biden’s opponent, Donald Trump, criticized Arizona’s ruling, advocating for state autonomy in abortion legislation. Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to visit Arizona as part of her campaign to protect reproductive freedoms.
