In Arizona Senate, a Vote to Repeal 1864 Abortion Law Could Happen

Not long after Arizona House Republicans again blocked attempts to repeal the state's controversial 1864 law banning nearly all abortions, which was just ruled enforceable by the state Supreme Court, Arizona Senate Democrats—with the help of two Republicans—on Wednesday managed to move forward on the possibility of a repeal bill. Republican state Sens. TJ Shope and Shawnna Bolick voted with Democrats to allow a repeal bill to be introduced, and a third Republican sided with Democrats to stop the state Senate from adjourning. No vote was taken on the bill itself, but one could be taken by May 1, the AP reports. The New York Times notes that it "could be a moot point" if House Republicans continue to block a repeal bill in that chamber—which it seems they will.

• Following the state House Republicans' blocking of that chamber's bill, Arizona's Democrat governor, Katie Hobbs, released a statement: "Republican extremists in the House have yet again failed to do the right thing. In just one week living under this new reality, women, doctors, and healthcare providers have already begun to feel the devastating effects of living under a total abortion ban. We cannot go on like this."
• Meanwhile, some abortion providers in the state expressed confidence that the furor over the 1864 law will ultimately lead to abortion rights being enshrined in the state constitution, the Guardian reports.
• Axios has more on the ins and outs, such as the earliest date the 1864 law could take effect (June 8) and the earliest date a repeal of the law could take effect, among other details.

(More Arizona stories.)