Phoenix, Arizona – The Arizona House of Representatives made a historic decision on Wednesday by voting to overturn the state’s 160-year-old abortion ban. This crucial vote sets the stage for repealing the ban while keeping the state’s 15-week restriction on the procedure intact.

Efforts to repeal the outdated ban faced obstacles in the past, with two failed attempts by Republican lawmakers in the state House last week. Democrats pushed for the ban’s removal after the Arizona Supreme Court revived it earlier this month.

In a surprising turn of events, three Republicans joined forces with all 29 Democrats to move the legislation forward with the expectation that the state Senate will pass the repeal measure in early May. Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, is anticipated to sign the bill into law once it reaches her desk.

Advocates for reproductive rights celebrated the vote as a significant step forward, aligning with some Republican candidates, including former President Donald Trump, who have distanced themselves from the court ruling.

The repeal of the ban drew criticism from some Republicans within the Arizona House, who expressed disappointment with the decision. State Rep. Rachel Jones voiced her discontent, emphasizing the importance of life as a fundamental value within the Republican platform.

Republican State Rep. Matt Gress, who supported the repeal, highlighted that the ban, dating back to when Arizona was a US territory, no longer resonated with the values of the majority of Arizona voters. Gress emphasized that repealing the ban should have been a straightforward process.

Despite the progress made in the state House, challenges remain as the repeal will now move to the state Senate for further consideration. The outcome of the upcoming Senate vote will have significant implications on Arizona’s abortion regulations and the future of reproductive rights in the state.

The repeal’s passage in the state House was met with relief and anticipation by Governor Hobbs, reflecting on the chaos and fear that has gripped the state since the Supreme Court decision. The Senate’s decision on the repeal will ultimately determine the fate of the 1864 ban, with potential consequences for abortion access in Arizona.