In the USA, Arizona State Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, has recently issued an executive order that prohibits county attorney generals in the state from prosecuting abortion cases.
The order, signed just ahead of the first anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade, grants centralized authority over the prosecution of abortion-related cases to the state’s Democratic attorney general, Kris Mayes.
In a tweet on Friday, Governor Hobbs stated “I will not allow extreme and out of touch politicians to get in the way of the fundamental rights of Arizonans.” The executive order grants Attorney General Mayes “assume all duties” to handle all aspects of prosecuting cases related to abortion. It expresses concerns about potential inconsistencies and varying interpretations of Arizona’s abortion laws by different county attorneys, which could have a negative impact on the lawful provision of abortion services and create a deterrent effect.
By empowering the state attorney general, Governor Hobbs aims to ensure a consistent approach in the prosecution of abortion-related cases and safeguard the rights of individuals seeking reproductive healthcare in Arizona.
The executive order, includes multiple provisions aimed at protecting abortion providers and ensuring access to reproductive healthcare in Arizona. It prohibits state agencies from assisting in abortion-related investigations, blocks extradition requests from other states seeking to prosecute individuals involved in seeking or providing abortion care, and establishes an advisory council with the purpose of expanding reproductive health services in the state.
Attorney General Mayes expressed her views on the order in a statement. She emphasized, “We have seen that anti-abortion extremists will stop at nothing in their attempts to impose their radical beliefs on the rest of the country. I don’t accept that. We are on offense, and we will not let up.” Mayes stated, “Governor Hobbs centralized authority over abortion-related prosecutions in Arizona courts in the Attorney General’s office. That means Arizonans can seek abortions and access reproductive health care — without interference or fear of criminal prosecution.”
The executive order reflects Governor Hobbs and Attorney General Mayes’ commitment to proactively defend reproductive rights and ensure the availability of comprehensive reproductive healthcare options in Arizona.
