Opponents of Prop. 139 say the abortion rights ballot measure is dangerously broad

Several polls have shown this Arizona’s abortion rights ballot measure is likely to pass. But opponents are making closing arguments in an attempt to convince voters that Proposition 139 would go too far.

Opponents of Prop. 139 gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday. Speakers included a pastor who said he opposed the proposal because he is morally opposed to abortion. But most speakers argued that voters should pass Prop. 139 because the state’s current abortion laws are reasonable and should remain in effect.

Many protesters held signs that read: “No to Prop. 139: Abortion in AZ is already legal up to 15 weeks.”

Since 2022, Arizona has had a law banning abortions after fifteen weeks of pregnancy. Speakers emphasized that the 15-week law allows exceptions later in pregnancy for medical emergencies.

Prop. 139 would amend the state constitution to allow abortions up to about 24 weeks, with exceptions beyond that to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant person.

Arizona has dozens of other abortion regulations, including a mandatory 24-hour waiting period for patients, a law banning abortion medications by mail, and a requirement that the patient undergo an ultrasound, which can be medically unnecessary. As Prop. 139 is adopted, these rules will likely be challenged in court.

Together with the opponents of Prop. 139, Gilbert-based OB-GYN Dr. Erica Kreller raises concerns that the proposed amendment would be broad enough to put patients at risk.

“Arizona women, our patients, deserve more than Prop 139. They deserve care from doctors who can recognize their complications, not from providers who point them to online abortion pills and abandon them when they need help most,” Kreller said. “They deserve what current Arizona law allows me to provide: safe, compassionate care for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies.”

Supporters of Prop. 139 say the measure would do nothing to eliminate medical safety standards. The proposal has the support from hundreds of Arizona physicians and medical professionals. Supporters argue the A 15-week law creates traumatic obstacles for women who face complications later in pregnancy, forcing some women to leave the state for abortions.