Judge Temporarily Blocks Arizona “Personhood” Law

JUL 12 2022·Updated DEC 26 2022

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Image credit: AP Photo [via Fox News]

The Facts

On Mon., US District Judge Douglas Rayes temporarily blocked an Ariz. law that grants civil rights to unborn children from the moment of fertilization.
FOX News
The legislation, dubbed the "personhood" law, passed in 2021 but wasn't legally enforceable prior to last month's SCOTUS decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide.
NBC
Abortion providers sued to block the law last Aug., arguing that the legislation didn't make clear what - if any - criminal charges they could face for performing an abortion.
NBC
It's unclear whether abortions, which were halted in the aftermath of the Roe v. Wade decision, will be restarted after Rayes' ruling.
Al Jazeera
At least four other states have similar "personhood" laws, including Alabama, Kansas, Georgia, and Missouri.
NBC

Sources Split

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The Spin

Right narrative

This move is little more than a defiant attempt to challenge the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and protect the rights of unborn children. The decision will never hold up.

Daily Wire

Left narrative

Rayes decision was the right move. The "personhood" law contradicts other legislation on the books, which only creates confusion. Besides, an overwhelming majority of Ariz. voters want abortion to remain legal, and this ruling is just a small step in that direction.

AlterNet