In Arizona, abortion is a legal medical procedure that is accessible to those who need it, with some restrictions. The state’s laws related to abortion have evolved over time, and it is crucial to be aware of the current legislation to make an informed decision.
Legality of Abortion in Arizona
Abortion is legal in Arizona up to 15 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy. The gestation period is calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period. An Arizona law that banned abortion entirely was introduced and came into effect on September 23, 2022. However, this law is presently under legal challenge and is not in effect.
Restrictions on Abortion Access
Despite its legality, certain restrictions are placed on abortion access in Arizona. These restrictions include a mandatory 24-hour waiting period after initial in-person counseling, parental consent for minors, and a ban on abortions after 15 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy.
24-Hour Waiting Period
In Arizona, after visiting an abortion provider for in-person counseling, a pregnant person is required to wait 24 hours before they can proceed with the abortion. This waiting period can be waived if the pregnancy poses a risk to the person’s health.
Parental Consent for Minors
For individuals under the age of 18, parental or guardian consent is needed to have an abortion in Arizona. If this is not possible, a judicial bypass can be sought, which would waive the requirement for parental involvement. Assistance with this process can be sought from the If/When/How Judicial Bypass (JB) Helpline by calling 844-868-2812 or submitting an online request.
Abortion Ban After 15 Weeks, 6 Days
Abortion in Arizona is banned after 15 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy. However, there are exceptions to this rule in situations where the life of the pregnant person is at risk or there is a serious risk to their physical health.
Abortion Providers in Arizona
There are several abortion providers in Arizona, many of whom offer services up until the legal limit. The services and contact information for these providers are listed below:
| City | Provider | Service Up To | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glendale | Planned Parenthood – Glendale Health Center | 14 weeks, 6 days | 5771 West Eugie, Glendale, AZ | (602) 277-7526 |
| Phoenix | Acacia Women’s Center | 14 weeks, 6 days | 2023 W Bethany Home Rd, Phoenix, AZ | (602) 462-5559 |
| Phoenix | Camelback Family Planning | 15 weeks, 6 days | 4141 North 32nd Street, Suite 105, Phoenix, AZ | (602) 279-2337 |
| Phoenix | Desert Star Family Planning | 14 weeks, 6 days | 5501 North 19th Avenue, Suite 420, Phoenix, AZ | (480) 447-8857 |
| Phoenix | Family Planning Associates Medical Group of Phoenix | 14 weeks, 6 days | 1331 North 7th Street, Suite 225, Phoenix, AZ | (602) 553-0440 |
| Tucson | Choices Women’s Center | 10 weeks, 0 days | 5240 East Knight, Suite #112, Tucson, AZ | (520) 210-8300 |
| Tucson | Planned Parenthood – Southern Arizona Regional Health Center | 14 weeks, 6 days | 2255 North Wyatt Drive, Tucson, AZ | (520) 408-7526 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is abortion legal in Arizona?
Yes, abortion is legal in Arizona up to 15 weeks, 6 days of pregnancy.
Are there any exceptions to the 15 week, 6 days limit?
Yes, exceptions are allowed if the life of the pregnant person is at risk or if there is a serious risk to their physical health.
Do minors need parental consent for an abortion in Arizona?
Yes, individuals under the age of 18 require parental or guardian consent to obtain an abortion in Arizona. If this is not possible, a judicial bypass can be sought.
What if I cannot get parental consent?
If parental or guardian consent cannot be obtained, a minor can seek a judicial bypass. Assistance can be sought from the If/When/How Judicial Bypass (JB) Helpline.
In conclusion, while abortion is legal in Arizona, certain restrictions apply. Individuals considering an abortion should be aware of these laws and consult with a healthcare provider to fully understand their options.