A anti-abortion supporter stands outside the House chamber, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Capitol in Phoenix. Arizona State Rep. Matt Gress, applauds on the House floor, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Capitol in Phoenix. Arizona State Rep. Oscar De Los Santos, D, speaks on his phone on the House floor, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Capitol in Phoenix.
The debate in the House over whether to allow a vote on the repeal proposal was much fierier than in the Senate. Members from pro-life groups packed the House’s gallery and gave a standing ovation after efforts to bring the repeal bill to a vote was defeated. Democratic Rep. Alma Hernandez of Tucson said Republicans are failing to act on a matter of great importance to Arizonans. “This is what we are arguing about right now: whether or not we should overturn something that is archaic, something that is going to really impact women in Arizona,” Hernandez said. “And yet we want to talk about a process or the right process.”
In a statement, Hobbs, who supports a repeal of the law, said, “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.”