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Arizona's abortion ruling: This is what we can VERIFY

We're verifying questions after Arizona's landmark abortion ruling.

PHOENIX —

THE QUESTION

Will women and doctors be prosecuted?

THE SOURCES

  • Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
  • Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs

THE ANSWER

For now, no, women and doctors will not be prosecuted. 

WHAT WE FOUND

Long before this ruling came down, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs issued an executive order placing supervisory authority for all abortion-related prosecution on the Attorney General.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said then, and Tuesday morning, that she would not prosecute an abortion ban. However, it's possible that any Arizona county attorney could challenge that decision. 

THE QUESTION

Is Plan B banned?

THE SOURCES

  • CVS
  • Walgreen's
  • Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs

THE ANSWER

Unknown, though Plan B is still in stock and being sold. 

WHAT WE FOUND

Both CVS and Walgreen's told 12News they do not carry mifepristone, a commonly prescribed abortion drug, in Arizona. 

But Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is carried in stock in both stores. A CVS spokesperson told 12News they understood the ruling did not affect Plan B. 

We asked the question to Governor Katie Hobbs Tuesday morning. Hobbs said she didn't know what effect the ruling would have on emergency contraception. 

THE QUESTION

Are abortions outlawed right now?

THE SOURCES

  • Arizona Supreme Court Ruling
  • Planned Parenthood

THE ANSWER

No, abortions are not banned immediately. 

WHAT WE FOUND

The Supreme Court decision has a built-in 14-day waiting period before the near-total abortion ban would go into effect. 

Planned Parenthood of Arizona said it's fighting a separate lawsuit related to abortion, and reached an agreement that would stay any enforcement of the 1864 law for another 45 days. 

So, any enforcement would likely be about 60 days away.

THE QUESTION

Is this the final word?

THE SOURCES

  • Arizona Supreme Court
  • Arizona for Abortion Access

THE ANSWER

No, it is not the final word. 

WHAT WE FOUND

The Arizona Supreme Court was very specific in saying that Arizona needs clarification, but that the Supreme Court would not give it. 

The opinion said, "A policy matter of this gravity must ultimately be resolved by our citizens through the legislature or the initiative process. Today we decline to make this weighty policy decision because such judgements are reserved for our citizens."

There's currently a group called Arizona for Abortion Access that says it's collected enough signatures to get an Arizona constitutional amendment placed on the November ballot. 

   

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