US: Arizona sued by abortion rights advocates over restrictive laws
Photo: AP
Reproductive rights advocates filed a lawsuit on Thursday aiming to overturn several abortion-related laws in the US state of Arizona, arguing that the restrictions violate the state's newly amended constitution, which protects abortion access up to the point of fetal viability.
The lawsuit was brought by two Arizona abortion providers and the Arizona Medical Association. It follows the passage of a 2024 ballot measure in which voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion rights until fetal viability, typically around 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy.
The legal challenge targets a range of existing state laws, including those that:
Ban abortions based on genetic abnormalities,
Require patients to receive in-person informed consent at least 24 hours before the procedure, with an opportunity to view an ultrasound,
Prohibit the mailing of abortion medication and the use of telehealth services for abortion care.
'These stigmatizing and medically unnecessary abortion restrictions violate the right to reproductive freedom established by Arizona voters last November,' said Rebecca Chan, staff attorney for the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project, as quoted by the Associated Press (AP).
'Arizonans are perfectly capable of making decisions about their own reproductive futures.'
According to AP, a spokesperson for the Arizona Attorney General's Office confirmed the complaint is under review and stated that current laws should align with the constitutional amendment approved by voters. Arizona was one of several states that passed measures in the 2024 general election to protect abortion rights in their constitutions.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug
elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill
Click Here
Undo
This lawsuit comes on the heels of a decision earlier this year by an Arizona judge to block the state's 15-week abortion ban, signaling a growing legal push to roll back restrictions enacted prior to the constitutional change.
Conservative groups have voiced concern over the lawsuit's implications. Peter Gentala, president of the Center for Arizona Policy — a nonprofit that advocates for socially conservative policies — said the group has not yet decided whether to join the legal battle.
'Women's health is important, and this lawsuit reflects an agenda to maximize abortion in Arizona — and that comes at a cost to women's health,' Peter Gentala, president of Center for Arizona Policy was quoted as saying by the news agency AP.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
State aims to enhance public education quality above private sector: Minister Lokesh
PARVATHIPURAM: The state education minister, Nara Lokesh, announced comprehensive reforms to elevate govt education standards beyond private institutions. He expressed optimism about achieving significant progress within four years. At the Shining Stars Awards 2025 on Monday, Minister Lokesh honoured 95 tenth-grade and 26 intermediate high achievers. He outlined a 100-day action strategy for improved outcomes, highlighting initiatives like providing books and midday meals in govt junior colleges. He stressed his commitment to nurturing AP's young talents, encouraging future govt school graduates to return and inspire younger students. He said the AP govt's goal is to showcase the AP model to the world in the next two years by achieving number one in all fields. The govt is focusing on libraries at village, mandal, and constituency levels and setting up regional libraries. Steps are being taken to establish a world-class library in Amaravati. Students should focus not only on education but also on sports, NCC, and yoga. Minister Lokesh announced that cash incentives and laptops will be provided to students who secure seats in higher educational institutions, just like before. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Good News: You May Be Richer Than You Think Undo He said govt will encourage students secure seats in IITs and NITs. Addressing the tenth-grade students, he emphasised that life presents the real challenge ahead. He cited Chief Minister Chandrababu's exemplary discipline at 75 years, maintaining remarkable energy through extensive programmes like the three-day Mahanadu. "For college-bound students, life takes a new turn. One wrong choice can be detrimental. Your conduct should honour your parents. The 'No to Drugs, Bro' campaign, initiated after witnessing a mother's distress in Chandragiri constituency during Yuvagalam Padayatra, demonstrates our govt's anti-drug stance. Poor decisions affect both you and your family," Lokesh advised. He encouraged students to maintain humility whilst achieving success. Sharing his personal experience, he said, "I chose Mangalagiri, where TDP never succeeded, for elections. Despite losing in 2019, I persevered for five years, achieving the third-highest majority statewide. I accepted the challenging education portfolio despite contrary advice." AP aims to achieve complete literacy within four years through Mission Akshara Andhra, addressing its current low literacy ranking. The minister acknowledged India's strong response to terrorism under Modi's leadership, referencing AP's loss of Murali Nayak in Operation Sindoor. The event concluded with students joining Lokesh in singing Vande Mataram. Students Share Aspirations on Dream Wall Students documented their ambitions on dedicated walls. G. Jithu aspires to become a software engineer, G. Jagadish aims for IAS, and C.H. Priyanka wants to teach. Bodela Jyotsna plans to contribute to infrastructure development as an engineer, R. Prajna aims to serve as a doctor, Vavilapalli Gayatri targets AI engineering, and Komarapu Gunashree wishes to innovate in software engineering. Gratitude and Promises Students expressed appreciation on the Gratitude Wall. K. Lokesh pledged to pursue doctorate studies and support his parents. Praharshini thanked Minister Lokesh and the college staff. Komarapu Gunashree acknowledged Chandrababu and Lokesh's encouragement. The minister assured continued support for students' aspirations. The event was attended by state ministers Kinjarapu Atchannaidu, Gummadi Sandhya Rani, whip Toyaka Jagadeeshwari, MLAs Bonela Vijayachandra and Nimmaka Jayakrishna, Education Secretary Kona Shashidhar, Intermediate Education Director Krithika Shukla, College Education Director Narayana Bharat Gupta, MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi, Collector Shyam Prasad, ITDA PO Ashutosh Srivastava, and others.
Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Govt orders probe into track deaths, oppn seeks rly min Vishnaw's sacking
Mumbai: While CM Devendra Fadnavis described the incident where eight passengers fell off a local train as "unfortunate" and said Railways has begun an investigation into the cause, minister Girish Mahajan said the state govt would give Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. State Cong press chief Harshwardhan Sapkal, however, demanded the resignation of railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the accident in which four people lost their lives in Thane district. Sapkal also demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. Sapkal accused Vaishnaw of being ignorant about improving facilities. In a post on X, he said that for the last 11 years, the people of Maharashtra and Mumbai have been listening to empty talk about infrastructure and ease of travel for Mumbaikars. MNS president Raj Thackeray blamed the influx of migrants from other states to Mumbai for the "collapse" of the railway system. Raj also questioned the rationale for demanding the installation of automatic door closure mechanisms in local trains, considering the rush of commuters. NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar has appealed to the Central Railway administration to implement measures like AC locals and installing automatic doors in suburban trains in view of overcrowding. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "A flood of people coming to Mumbai from outside led to the collapse of the railway system," Pawar said. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray said the incident is extremely heartbreaking. "The unfortunate death of some passengers was caused by an express train coming from the opposite direction," Aaditya said in a post on X. "I am very disturbed by a terrible accident An inquiry into the accident has been launched by the railway," said DCM Eknath Shinde. Shinde said hospitals in Thane and Kalwa were directed to provide immediate treatment. DCM Ajit Pawar said the incident highlights the urgent need to address overcrowding in Mumbai's suburban system. Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief, stating, "Indian Railways has become a symbol of congestion and chaos." Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad pushed for more Diva locals to ease the load.
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Apple WWDC 2025: After Microsoft, Tim Cook-led tech giant's annual software event interrupted by protest; Watch video
Days after Microsoft, Apple saw interruption during its annual software developer conference on Monday by a protester who marched in and unzipped his jacket to reveal a keffiyeh. The protester spoke for about 30 seconds before security walked him out, reported The Verge. The incident comes after a former Microsoft employee ignited controversy during the company's 50th anniversary celebration, confronting top executives including CEO Satya Nadella and former heads Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. The employee, Vaniya Agrawal, an Indian-American software engineer, accused the tech giant of aiding violence in Gaza through its technologies.'Fifty thousand Palestinians in Gaza have been murdered with Microsoft technology. How dare you. Shame on all of you for celebrating on their blood,' she declared before being escorted out of the event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Watch video here: Agrawal, who has since resigned from the company, described Microsoft as a 'digital weapons manufacturer' and condemned its alleged collaboration with the Israeli military. In a pointed critique, she called on Microsoft to end its ties with Israel, highlighting what she claimed was a $133 million agreement with Israel's Ministry of Defense involving AI and Azure tools. Live Events
