Arizona’s Supreme Court has granted the attorney general an additional 90 days to develop her strategy for the abortion ban | ABCNews.go

The highest court in Arizona has granted the state’s attorney general an additional 90 days to determine further legal steps in the case regarding a nearly 160-year-old near-total abortion ban.

In Phoenix, Arizona’s highest court extended the deadline for the state’s attorney general by another 90 days to determine additional legal steps in the case concerning a nearly 160-year-old near-total ban on abortion, which lawmakers recently voted to repeal.

The recent order from the Arizona Supreme Court maintains the current law permitting abortion up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. It also grants Attorney General Kris Mayes an extended period to deliberate on whether to appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mayes expressed appreciation for the order, noting that the earliest the 1864 law can now be enforced is September 26. This timeline factors in the additional 90 days granted by the recent order, along with an additional 45 days outlined in a separate case.

“I am committed to ensuring that doctors can administer medical care based on their professional judgment, rather than adhering to the beliefs of legislators from 160 years ago,” Mayes affirmed.

In April, the Arizona Supreme Court reinstated an older law devoid of exceptions for rape or incest, permitting abortions solely in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. The majority opinion hinted at the possibility of doctors facing prosecution and potential imprisonment for up to five years if found guilty.

The Legislature narrowly voted to repeal the Civil War-era law, but its repeal won’t come into effect until 90 days after the conclusion of the current annual session. It has remained uncertain whether there would be a window during which the older ban could be enforced before the repeal becomes effective.

Despite the latest delay, the anti-abortion group defending the ban, Alliance Defending Freedom, stated that it would continue to fight.

“The pro-life law in Arizona has safeguarded unborn children for over a century,” stated Jake Warner, the group’s senior counsel. “We remain committed to defending unborn children and advocating for genuine support and healthcare for families in Arizona.”

Angela Florez, CEO of Planned Parenthood Arizona, appreciated the decision, stating that the organization “will persist in offering abortion care up to 15 weeks of pregnancy, prioritizing patient access to abortion care for as long as legally feasible.”