Grand Canyon Times

The Catholic Bishops of Arizona have voiced their opposition to Proposition 139, a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at expanding abortion rights in the state. They argue that the measure, if passed, would undermine existing safeguards and make Arizona one of the most permissive states in terms of abortion access.

According to Ballotpedia, Arizona Proposition 139, set for the November 5, 2024 ballot, is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at securing abortion rights in the state. If approved, it will establish a fundamental right to abortion that the state cannot interfere with before fetal viability, which is when a fetus has a significant chance of survival outside the womb without extraordinary medical measures. After viability, abortions would still be allowed if necessary to protect the life or health of the pregnant individual. The measure also prohibits the state from penalizing anyone who helps a pregnant person obtain an abortion.

“If passed, this initiative threatens to enshrine a constitutional right to virtually unrestricted abortion in Arizona,” the bishops wrote in a press release. “What makes a constitutional amendment especially grave is that our own Arizona legislators could lose the ability to regulate abortion in any meaningful way, leaving us with the potential for what would likely become nearly unrestricted abortion.”

The press release was signed by Most Rev. John P. Dolan of Phoenix, Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger of Tucson, Most Rev. James S. Wall of Gallup, and Most Rev. Eduardo Nevares, Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix.

One of the bishops’ key objections is the proposed removal of existing safeguards at abortion clinics. They are particularly concerned about the potential elimination of parental consent requirements for minors seeking abortions, which they believe could undermine parental rights and protections for young women. Additionally, they highlight the possibility of late-term abortions being allowed under the amendment, which they describe as a severe and painful procedure for viable unborn children.

The bishops also criticized the language of Proposition 139 as vague and misleading, suggesting that it could lead to extreme outcomes that many Arizonans might find objectionable, even those who support abortion rights in limited circumstances. They contend that the proposed amendment is not a moderate measure but rather an extreme shift in abortion policy that could significantly impact the state's legal landscape.

“Arizonans deserve far better than the measures being proposed in this initiative which is why we strongly oppose Proposition 139,” the bishops wrote.

Other opponents of Prop 139 include pro-life organizations like Priests for Life and Students for Life Action, who argue that the amendment could remove necessary safety standards and parental notification requirements.

Arizona currently allows abortion up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. A 2024 ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court upheld an 1864 law that bans most abortions except to save the life of the mother.