New restrictions on abortions in Arizona were halted by a judge who said women face “irreparable injury” if the new state laws took effect. The rulings are a preliminary injunction, the Arizona Republic reports, but certainly indicate where the case is headed.
The new laws would have required that women be provide information about risks, benefits and alternatives to abortion in person by a physician. Abortions would have had to be performed by physicians rather than by nurse practitioners. Minors would have to obtain notarized parental consent to get an abortion, rather than simply obtain a statement of parental consent as required under current law.
Here’s what they said:
“Planned Parenthood is pleased, particularly on behalf of Arizona women,” said Bryan Howard, CEO of Planned Parenthood Arizona. “We have asserted since Day 1 in the Legislature that multiple provisions of this legislation would put women in harm’s way and would threaten their health and well-being.”
“We’re very disappointed that a state judge gave so little attention to the needs of Arizona women,” said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy, which is seeking to join both lawsuits as a defendant. “These are common-sense regulations. We will work closely with the solicitor general to see this law upheld. This is simply Round 1.”
— Rita Hibbard
