Overview
- Closing arguments concluded Monday, and Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Greg Como said he expects to issue a ruling within about 30 days.
- The lawsuit targets a 24-hour two-visit requirement, a telemedicine ban for medication abortion, and restrictions based on a patient’s reasons, including fetal abnormalities.
- Plaintiffs—two abortion providers and the Arizona Medical Association represented by the Center for Reproductive Rights—filed a facial challenge, arguing the laws violate the state constitutional right to abortion before viability.
- Attorney General Kris Mayes supports the challengers, while House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen intervened to defend the statutes, drawing a skeptical question from the judge about arguments that no enforcement threat exists.
- The case follows a prior ruling that struck down Arizona’s 15-week ban under the 2024 amendment, and abortion is currently allowed in the state until fetal viability at about 24 weeks with limited exceptions.