Arizona Supreme Court Permits 'Unborn Human Being' in Abortion Pamphlets Ahead of Key Ballot Decision

The Arizona Supreme Court has allowed the term 'unborn human being' to be used in voter pamphlets regarding a constitutional amendment on abortion rights. Arizona voters will decide in November whether to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. The ruling has sparked reactions from advocacy groups and political figures.

The Arizona Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that the term 'unborn human being' can be used in pamphlets for voters who will decide on the constitutional right to an abortion.

In November, Arizona voters will determine whether to add abortion rights to the state constitution. This decision comes as abortions in Arizona are currently restricted to a 15-week ban, passed by Republican lawmakers in 2022, following the U.S. Supreme Court's elimination of a nationwide right to abortion. The state court ruled that the term 'unborn human being' 'substantially complies' with the impartiality required by state law, a decision criticized by Arizona for Abortion Access, a coalition supporting the referendum.

In the November election, abortion will be on the ballot in at least eight U.S. states, including key battlegrounds. Democrats, led by Vice President Kamala Harris, seek to rally support for pro-abortion measures, emphasizing their importance in both the presidential race against Republican Donald Trump and contentious congressional battles.

States such as Arizona and Nevada are crucial not only in determining the presidential race but also in high-stakes Senate contests that could shift control of the chamber. Notably, Arizona officials recently approved a measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution up to the point of fetal viability, around 23 or 24 weeks.

The political climate in Arizona remains tense, with President Joe Biden having narrowly won the state over Trump in 2020. Current polls indicate a close contest between Harris and Trump, further heightening the significance of the upcoming vote.

(With inputs from agencies.)