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Abortion providers in Arizona are grappling with chaos and confusion following a recent ruling by the state's highest court. The court has declared that a 160-year-old abortion ban, which had remained unenforced, can now be implemented, raising questions about abortion access in the state.

Dr. DeShawn Taylor, founder and president of the Desert Star Institute for Family Planning, located in Phoenix, expressed her initial uncertainty about the timeline for implementation. In response, she hurriedly contacted seven patients with appointments on Tuesday, urging them to come in earlier in the day. Taylor emphasized the urgency, stating, "We needed to make sure that we got those abortions done."

The court's decision suspended the ban for 14 days to allow a lower court to address any remaining constitutional challenges. Furthermore, due to a 2022 court ruling in a separate case, the ban cannot take effect until 45 days after the state Supreme Court issues its final ruling.

Healthcare providers in Arizona spent the day providing reassurance to concerned patients, addressing fears that their abortion appointments would be canceled. Dr. Jill Gibson, chief medical director of Planned Parenthood Arizona, highlighted the anxiety induced by the uncertainty, stating, "Patients are coming and they are already asking if their appointment would be upheld today."

Planned Parenthood Arizona has announced that it will continue to provide abortion services for a limited period. However, as uncertainty looms, the organization plans to collaborate with neighboring states, such as California, to assist individuals seeking abortions by facilitating cross-state access.

The Los Angeles County public health department has expressed its commitment to working with healthcare providers and advocates to welcome those who are unable to obtain abortions in their home state.

The ruling has caused concern among healthcare providers and activists regarding the future of abortion access in Arizona. Dr. Ronald Yunis of the Acacia Women's Center in Phoenix pledged to continue performing abortions until attorneys determine otherwise. He stressed that Spanish-speaking patients, who form a significant portion of their clientele, would be disproportionately affected. Yunis stated, "It's a war on the most vulnerable."

Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, called on the Republican-controlled Legislature to repeal the 1864 law. She urged them to take swift action, highlighting the confusion and chaos that the ruling has introduced. Efforts to repeal the law by Democrats were thwarted by Republicans in the Arizona House.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, also a Democrat, assured that no woman or doctor would face prosecution for an abortion while she remains in office. However, Mayes acknowledged that the ruling would have a chilling effect on abortion access.

Meanwhile, a coalition of reproductive rights organizations revealed that they had gathered petition signatures to put an abortion-related constitutional amendment on the November ballot. This potential amendment would establish abortion as a fundamental right in Arizona until fetal viability, effectively reversing the 1864 ban.

Supporters of abortion rights view the court's ruling as a setback. However, opponents of abortion rights, including Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, celebrated the reinstatement of the ban as a victory for unborn children and mothers.

Notably, some prominent Arizona Republicans have voiced their opposition to the ruling, with former President Donald Trump criticizing the Arizona court's decision as going too far.

The future of abortion access in Arizona remains uncertain as stakeholders on both sides continue to navigate legal challenges, petitions, and potential legislative actions.