As the battle for abortion rights intensifies, a November ballot initiative in Arizona has sparked controversy over the language used in the voter pamphlet. The Arizona for Abortion Access group has filed a lawsuit against a GOP-led legislative committee for their proposal to refer to a fetus as an “unborn human being” in the summary of the initiative.
The lawsuit, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, argues that the term “unborn human being” is politically charged and could sway voters’ opinions. Instead, the group advocates for using the word “fetus” to maintain neutrality and accuracy in the information provided to voters.
Abortion rights have taken center stage in this year’s elections, with similar initiatives proposed in six other states, including Nebraska, Colorado, and Nevada. The Arizona amendment aims to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, allowing abortions up to around 24 weeks, with exceptions for the woman’s life or health.
Opponents of the amendment, like Leisa Brug of the It Goes Too Far campaign, argue that the language in the pamphlet should provide a clear understanding of both current laws and the potential impacts of the amendment. With over 800,000 signatures submitted in support of the initiative, the battle over abortion rights in Arizona shows no signs of slowing down.
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