Two Arizona health care providers filed a lawsuit Thursday in Maricopa County to remove abortion restrictions in the state. The lawsuit follows voters approving Proposition 139 last November, which enshrined abortion access up to fetal viability in the state constitution.
The suit challenges laws including the 24-hour waiting period, a ban on telemedicine for abortion, and restrictions based on reasons for abortion, especially involving fetal genetic abnormalities.
Dr. William Richardson, a plaintiff, argued that banning telemedicine prioritizes political beliefs over medical evidence and places politics ahead of the well-being of patients, noting that these limits make care less accessible for marginalized and underserved populations.
Advocates argue the restrictions violate voters’ intent and constitutional rights, while opponents maintain pro-life laws reflect Arizona values, making the lawsuit a key test of state abortion policy.
Rebecca Chan from the ACLU stated that these restrictions are stigmatizing, medically unnecessary, and violate voters’ rights established last November.
The Arizona attorney general’s office is reviewing the complaint to ensure alignment with the constitutional amendment guaranteeing access to abortions up to fetal viability.
