A lawsuit has been filed by the backers of a November abortion rights ballot initiative in Arizona. The suit targets a GOP-led legislative committee that seeks to use the phrase “unborn human being” to refer to a fetus in the voter pamphlet. Arizona for Abortion Access argues that the language is politically charged and designed to provoke opposition to the measure. They contend that the pamphlet summary should use the term “fetus” instead.
Abortion rights have become a significant issue in this year’s Democratic campaigns. Similar ballot initiatives, asking voters whether abortion rights should be protected in their respective state constitutions, have been proposed in six other states: Nebraska, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, and South Dakota. New York also has a measure aimed at safeguarding abortion access.
In a statement, Arizona for Abortion Access highlighted the importance of providing clear, accurate, and impartial information to voters before they make decisions on ballot initiatives. They argue that the use of the neutral, medical term “fetus” is essential for an informed debate on the matter. The proposed constitutional amendment in Arizona would permit abortions until the point of fetal viability, which is typically around 24 weeks. Exceptions would be made to save the woman’s life or to protect her physical or mental health. It would also prohibit the state from adopting or enforcing any law that restricts access to the procedure.
Opponents of the amendment, such as the It Goes Too Far campaign, argue for using the term “unborn human being” in the pamphlet summary. They believe that it is crucial to provide voters with a clear understanding of existing laws and the potential impact of the proposed amendment if passed.
Organizers in Arizona have already submitted a significant number of signatures in support of the ballot initiative. County election officials will now verify the validity of these signatures and report the results to the Arizona secretary of state’s office by August 22nd.