The Arizona Supreme Court made a groundbreaking ruling on Tuesday, declaring that the state must abide by a 123-year-old law prohibiting most abortions except when necessary to save the pregnant person’s life.

The law, originating in 1864 and codified in 1901, includes penalties of two to five years imprisonment for abortion providers.

However, there’s a 14-day stay on the law.

This places Arizona among the states with the strictest abortion bans, akin to Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi. In response, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs criticized the decision, emphasizing the detrimental impact on women’s health.

President Joe Biden also condemned the ban, highlighting its dangers. Despite the ruling, Attorney General Kris Mayes stated her office wouldn’t enforce the law, CNN reported.

The case underscores the ongoing battle over abortion access since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, with nearly two dozen states implementing restrictions.

Abortion rights advocates have vehemently opposed the ruling, vowing to continue fighting for reproductive rights.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to enshrine abortion rights in Arizona’s constitution through a ballot measure in November 2024, part of a broader nationwide initiative to empower voters on abortion issues.

Written by B.C. Begley