Arizona voters approve constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights

Arizona voters have approved a constitutional amendment that establishes a "fundamental right" to abortion up to about 24 weeks of pregnancy. This change replaces the previous law, which allowed abortions only until the 15th week. The amendment, known as Proposition 139, includes exceptions for later abortions if necessary to protect the health of the pregnant individual. This decision comes after a series of legal battles over abortion access in Arizona since the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. The measure is part of a broader trend, with similar abortion rights amendments on ballots in nine other states. The coalition behind the Arizona initiative set a record for valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.