Arizona will decide in November on the right to abortion with historic Proposal 139.

In a context where the right to abortion has become one of the hottest topics in the U.S. political arena, voters in Arizona will have the opportunity to decide on a legislative initiative in the upcoming November elections. This proposal seeks to amend the state constitution and establish a "fundamental right" for women to request an abortion up to 24 weeks of gestation, marking a significant shift from current legislation, which only allows abortion up to 15 weeks. The news that Arizona for Abortion Access has gathered over 577,000 signatures to bring this initiative to the polls has resonated across the country. Cheryl Bruce, the coalition's director, celebrated this achievement as a victory for voters, who will now be able to express their will on a topic that has been the subject of intense debate and political polarization. The number of signatures collected far exceeds the 383,923 required for the proposal to be considered. Proposition 139 includes exceptions that allow doctors to perform abortions at later stages of pregnancy if the physical or mental health of the woman is at risk, reflecting a more flexible and health-centered approach for women. This measure contrasts sharply with the 1864 legislation that nearly went into effect earlier this year, which severely restricted access to abortion in the state. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the rights established in Roe v. Wade in 2022, access to abortion has become a critical topic in state and federal elections. Arizona, in particular, has garnered national attention, not only for its legislative history but also for the mobilization of activists and organizations seeking to restore reproductive rights. Arizona Secretary of State Adrián Fontes highlighted that this citizen initiative has the highest number of validated signatures in the state's history, underscoring the strong interest and mobilization of citizens around this issue. With this action, Arizona joins a growing movement across the country that seeks to protect access to abortion in the face of restrictions that have been implemented in various states. Vice President Kamala Harris, during her most recent visit to Arizona, joined the conversation by expressing her support for the protection of the right to abortion. Her presence in the state aims not only to attract Democratic voters but also to engage independent voters and the Latino community, which have been crucial in previous elections. Supporters of Proposition 139 argue that this right is fundamental to ensuring women's autonomy over their bodies, as well as to protecting their health and well-being. They believe that the decision to carry a pregnancy to term should be a personal choice and not a matter of politics. The impact of this initiative goes beyond Arizona's borders; it may also influence the electoral landscape in other parts of the country. As voters prepare for the elections, access to abortion is shaping up to be a decisive issue that could mobilize voters and change the course of politics in a context of increasing polarization. In conclusion, Proposition 139 represents not only an attempt to reform state abortion legislation but also a reflection of the activism and organization of civil society in Arizona. The decision voters make in November will not only affect women in the state but will also send a message about the future of the right to abortion nationwide, at a time when this issue remains a topic of debate and controversy.