Arizona lawmakers on Wednesday voted to repeal a Civil War-era law that banned nearly all abortions, after a pair of Republican senators joined with all Democrats.
The Republican-controlled Senate had enough votes to pass legislation repealing the 1864 law by a razor-thin margin, 16-14. All 14 Democrats were joined by two Republicans; state Sens. Shawnna Bolick and T.J. Shope.
The bill next heads to Gov. Katie Hobbs (D), who has promised to sign it.
“This is a clear statement that the Legislature does not want the territorial ban to be enforceable,” said state Sen. Priya Sundareshan (D), who voted yes to repeal.
The 1864 ban has divided Republicans in the state and nationally. Some Republicans, including…
