PHOENIX, ARIZONA: While there are no significant ballot initiatives or political campaigns in Arizona scheduled for 2023, abortion rights advocates are keeping an eye on the most recent events in Ohio, where voters recently approved a ballot measure supporting the right to an abortion.
Prioritizing the economy over abortion rights is predicted to be the top two concerns for Arizona voters in the 2024 election.
A coalition of pro-choice organizations is trying to collect signatures while it is yet unsure if Arizona will have a ballot question on abortion rights in 2024.
Following a period of legal ambiguity, abortion is currently prohibited in Arizona beyond the 15-week mark, as per FOX 10 Phoenix.
Both sides respond to the latest results amid the looming Arizona abortion debate
Abortion rights advocates are focusing on 2024 following a victory in Ohio on Tuesday, November 7, where voters entrenched abortion rights into the state constitution.
According to Reuters, reproductive rights organizations have already begun collecting hundreds of thousands of signatures in swing states like Arizona, Florida, and Nevada.
This is done to put comparable referendums on the ballot for the November 2024 national elections that will feature the presidential fight.
Ohio is widely seen as a more Republican state due to the GOP's control of both the legislative houses and the highest state offices.
Republicans only hold two of Arizona's five highest posts, and their advantage in the legislature is as little as two votes in the House and Senate.
Paul Bentz, chief pollster at HighGround Consulting, anticipates that the claim will be successful, per KTAR News.
Bentz added, "If you have something like abortion on the ballot, it may bring more of those younger voters out who may not choose to participate otherwise."
However, detractors claim that the proposal goes too far.
Cathi Herrod of the Center for Arizona Policy said, "The proposed constitutional amendment would dramatically change Arizona law. It would repeal common-sense safeguards protecting women and girls from the harm of abortion."
How will the right to an abortion affect Arizona's 2024 election?
Governor Katie Hobbs declared in a statement that she supports the right to an abortion after the groups announced that they were gathering signatures to place the initiative on the ballot.
Hobbs exclaimed, "I’m thrilled that Arizonans are going to have the opportunity to make their voices heard next November and I’m confident they will support a constitutional right to abortion."
According to Mike Noble of Noble Predictive Insights, abortion rights will be a major topic in 2024.
He believes that almost all female demographics, irrespective of political affiliation, feel that the availability of abortion has a direct impact on them.
While he believes that abortion rights will influence the election, he is unsure if they will surpass party allegiance. Like Bentz, Noble thinks it will encourage a large number of younger Democrats to cast ballots.
Surveys concerning abortion rights are not very old. After the Supreme Court reversed Roe v Wade in June 2022, abortion rights became a state-by-state matter and gained national attention.
However, Noble questions if the economic issues of high-interest rates, rent, house affordability, and inflation will outweigh the discussion of abortion.
To get the Arizona For Abortion Access Act on the ballot in November, supporters must gather at least 384,000 valid signatures by July 3, 2024. The aim of the group is to gather roughly 600,000 signatures.
Ohio voters passed an amendment establishing the right to abortion
After the Supreme Court reversed Roe v Wade, Ohio voters approved a ballot measure to amend the state constitution to establish a right to abortion, CNN projected.
This victory is significant for abortion rights and gives inspiration to efforts to protect access to abortion through citizen-led initiatives.
Issue 1 will prohibit Ohio from limiting access to abortions before fetal viability, which is generally considered to occur between 22 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
The state may limit access to abortions after viability, barring situations in which the patient's life or health is in danger.
The vote is more evidence that, despite Ohio's recent electoral trends toward the Republican Party, access to abortion is a major concern for people of all stripes.
Before Election Day, a CBS News poll revealed that 57% of Americans believed abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances, while 42% said it should be outlawed.
Mini Timmaraju, the president of the abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All, stated, "Abortion access isn’t just a winning issue with voters; it’s a fundamental right that impacts every aspect of their lives."
"Ohioans have now constitutionally guaranteed this right, and the nation is watching."
Arizona Reps and Internet users vow for Arizona's 'right to abortion'
Social media users also took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their support for Arizona's right-to-abortion ballot.
Former Arizona State Representative Andres Cano wrote on X, "Horrible election night for MAGA Republicans. Next up in 2024: making abortion a constitutional right in Arizona & flipping the legislature. Let’s go."
US representative for Arizona's 3rd congressional district Ruben Gallego said, "We’re protecting women’s rights and defeating extreme abortion bans. Today in Ohio. Next in Arizona."
Arizona State Representative Analise Ortiz also echoed, "Congratulations, Ohio! Arizona, you ready to follow their lead in 2024?"
Another supporter wrote, "Congratulations, Ohio! Thank you for protecting women's bodily autonomy WITH YOUR VOTE! Arizona for Abortion Access Initiative is next! We will protect women's rights by citizen vote. Voice for Values is proud to have supported Issue 1 with strategic action. Thank you, Donors!"
