In a significant decision, the Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that an informational pamphlet for voters can refer to a fetus as an "unborn human being." This ruling comes as voters prepare to decide on a proposed amendment to add the right to an abortion to the state constitution in the November general election.

The proposed amendment, known as the Arizona Abortion Access Act, would allow abortions until a fetus could survive outside the womb, typically around 24 weeks, with exceptions for saving the mother's life or protecting her physical or mental health. The amendment aims to restrict the state from adopting or enforcing any law that would prohibit access to the procedure.

Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Ben Toma, have advocated for including the phrase "unborn human being" in the pamphlet, arguing that it provides necessary context and clarity for voters. Toma emphasized that the language is intended to help voters understand the current law and its implications on abortion rights.

However, abortion rights advocates have expressed concerns over the use of this phrase, arguing that it is not impartial or objective. They fear that the inclusion of biased and politically charged words could mislead Arizonans and influence their voting decisions. Despite their disappointment with the court's ruling, groups like Arizona for Abortion Access have pledged to continue their efforts to communicate the truth about the proposed amendment and its significance for abortion access.

It is important to note that the GOP-favored language will not appear in the title or main description of the ballot measure within the pamphlet or on the ballot itself. The secretary of state's office, responsible for determining ballot language, has confirmed that this language will not be included in those sections.

As the November election approaches, the certification of signatures by the secretary of state's office indicates that the coalition supporting the ballot measure has submitted more than enough signatures to put the question before voters. The proposed amendment has garnered significant attention, with Democrats emphasizing abortion rights as a key issue in their campaigns and efforts leading up to the election.

With this ruling, the Arizona Supreme Court has paved the way for the inclusion of the phrase "unborn human being" in voter information materials, potentially influencing how voters perceive the proposed amendment on abortion rights. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the outcome of the November election and the future of abortion access in Arizona.