Talking Points

The End of Freedom in Arizona

In a 4-2 decision, the state's high court upheld an 1864 law on Tuesday, which was codified in 1901, allowing a near-total abortion ban to go into effect in Arizona. Under the 123-year-old law, all procedures are barred except in cases when "it is necessary to save" the life of the mother. The ruling will further restrict abortion in Arizona, where a 15-week ban was already in place. 

Two of the seven voted against it, and one abstained. The five men and two women were all appointed by Republican governors.

Two of the four justices who voted in favor of the ban are up for retention in November. That means voters will decide whether or not to keep Clint Bolick and Kathryn King on the court.

The justices behind the majority opinion are Justices John Lopez, James Beene, Bolick and King. Lopez wrote the majority opinion.

He wrote, “A policy matter of this gravity must ultimately be resolved by our citizens through the legislature or the initiative process… we merely follow our limited constitutional role and duty to interpret the law as written.”

Chief Justice Robert Brutinel and Vice Chief Justice Ann Timmer voted against enforcing it.

WHAT CAN WE DO?  WE VOTE NO in the election to reappoint Clink Bolick and Katryn King and remember the others in 2029!

Each of the seven justices on the Arizona Supreme Court serves initial two-year terms. Subsequent terms are six years.  

Political composition

This is the political composition of the court heading into the 2024 election.

■ James Beene Appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey (R) in 2019  Term ends 1/1/2029  DUMP

■ Clint Bolick Appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey (R) in 2016  Terms 1/6/2025  DUMP

■ Robert Brutinel Appointed by Gov. Jan Brewer (R) in 2010  Term ends  1/4/2027  KEEP

■ Kathryn Hackett King Appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey (R) in 2021  Terms 1/6/2025  DUMP

■ John Lopez IV Appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey (R) in 2016  Term ends 1/4/2027 DUMP

■ Bill Montgomery Appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey (R) in 2019  Term ends 1/1/2029

■ Ann Timmer Appointed by Gov. Jan Brewer (R) in 2012  Term ends 1/1/2029 KEEP

If you really want to do something worthwhile, contact Kay Schriner to learn how to circulate petitions to get Choice on the ballot this election cycle: 

call: 479 387-5020

email: rkschriner@gmail.com