That could come as a surprise to voters.
The next phase of the battle over reproductive rights in Arizona starts Monday, after Gov. Katie Hobbs certifies the November election results.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Por ésta razón la nueva ley de aborto aprobada por los votantes no entrará en vigor luego de la certificación de votos
Hobbs’ signature will give the cue to lawsuits asking courts to overturn the state's existing anti-abortion laws so Prop 139 can take effect. The legal fight could take months or even years.
“In Arizona, nothing is automatic,” Prop 139 spokeswoman Dawn Penich said on this weekend's “Sunday Square Off.”
“Every existing abortion regulation will go in front of Arizona judges. Nothing will fall away automatically. That process of legal challenge is where we will start to see maybe a 15-week ban fall away.”
The state’s existing ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy is expected to be the first legal target. That law provides an exception only to save the life of the mother.
“Abortion, in other words, will be in the headlines in Arizona for a very long time,” Penich said.
Advocates in other states that passed abortion-rights measures are also gearing up for legal fights.
Christine Jones, an attorney and former Republican candidate for Arizona governor, said abortion opponents here will push back against the constitutional amendment itself.
“The anti-abortion, pro-life groups are going to be gearing up their own constitutional amendment," Jones said. "This is not a settled rule.”
Prop 139 — known as the Arizona Abortion Access Act — was approved with 62 percent of the vote.
Organizers turned in a record 800,000 voter signatures to put the initiative on the ballot.
Also on this weekend’s “Sunday Square Off," former Arizona public health director Will Humble explains how Arizonans’ well-being would be affected by President-elect Donald Trump’s picks of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz for top public health roles.
“Sunday Square Off” airs at 8 a.m. Sundays on 12News, after NBC’s “Meet the Press” at 7 a.m.
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.
Sunday Square Off
Watch previous interviews and segments of Sunday Square Off on our 12News YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to receive updates on new uploads!