PHOENIX — As Arizona state senators explained their vote either for or against repealing the near-total abortion ban on Arizona's books, outside people gathered to make their presence and voices heard.
But now, both sides want to see further action taken by Arizonans as Gov. Katie Hobbs is scheduled to sign the repeal of the near-total ban on Thursday afternoon.
Daryl Groves, with Red State Reform, which works with End Abortion Now, said he was disappointed by the Senate's 16-14 vote to repeal. Groves said his organization worked to reach Republican State Senators Shawnna Bolick (R-District 2) and T.J. Shope (R-District 16) who voted with the Democrats to pass the repeal.
Still, Groves said he wants to see further action.
"I think it's important to help women and men who need help when they have maybe an unwanted pregnancy with financial needs and things like that," Groves said. "And I think that if the church steps into this space, I do think we could end abortion, but it needs to come with a multifaceted approach, with love and respect."
Following Hobbs' signature, the repeal of the ban that only allows abortion to save the life of the mother, won't go into effect until 90 days following the end of the legislative session.
Going back to the 1864 law, came from the Arizona Supreme Court decision in early April following a case argued by Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Jake Warner.
12News asked Warner if there is any legal avenue to keep the near-total ban in place beyond Hobbs signing it into law.
"Not if it's repealed," Warner said.
Laura, who didn't want her last name used, said she's signed the Arizona for Abortion Access ballot initiative that's likely to make the November ballot.
"I'm very concerned about what is happening in politics in general and November, and it's very important that we get out to vote, especially women, and let them know when this ballot initiative comes in November that we deserve to have the right over decisions on our own bodies," Laura said.
The Arizona for Abortion Access Act would protect abortion rights in the state constitution. Both sides are now focused on that initiative and mobilizing voters as organizers have said they've collected more than the required signatures for it to be on the November ballot.
"That is the only thing that protects abortion rights. Anything that comes out of the legislature to the ballot regarding abortion is a scam," Athena Salman, Director of Reproductive Freedom For All said.
A GOP plan leaked a couple of weeks ago does lay out legislative options, including proposing a competing ballot initiative that would put lawmakers authority over abortion regulation in the state constitution.
Cathi Herrod, president of The Center for Arizona Policy, and a long-time architect of anti-abortion bills at the state legislature said she's made her thoughts known to legislative leadership on those proposed plans.
"My focus is to defeat the extreme Abortion Access Amendment, let's defeat the one that's unrestricted abortion and not be in a situation of which one gets the most votes," Herrod said.
Leaving Arizona voters likely the ones to decide in November.
"The proposed Arizona Abortion Amendment would bring in unrestricted, unregulated abortion in our state, that voters know that this amendment goes to far," Herrod said.
"We have to pass that ballot initiative," State Senator Anna Hernandez, (D-District 24) said. "We have to ensure that our rights are protected in the Arizona constitution."
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
>> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app
Watch 12News+ for free
You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.
Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."
Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.
More ways to get 12News
On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device
The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.