Proposition 139 gets on the ballot, augurs divisive and decisive battle in November

Arizona Abortion Access Act got 577,971 signatures, far more than the 383,923 signatures needed.

PUBLISHED AUG 13, 2024

The proposition defines fetal viability as the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb.

Phoenix, Arizona: Proposition 139 has enough signatures to get on the ballot. State officials have confirmed that supporters of the Arizona Abortion Access Act got 577,971 signatures, far more than the 383,923 signatures needed. According to a report in AZ Family, it is the most signatures ever validated by a citizen’s initiative in state history. Supporters claim more than 40 organizations in Arizona have endorsed Prop 139.

If voters approved the measure in November, it would create an amendment that allows abortions until the point of “fetal viability,” which is around the 24th week.

After that point, exceptions can be made to protect the life or the physical and mental health of the mother. Currently, abortion is legal in Arizona for up to 15 weeks.

This measure is seen as a response to recent legal changes, including the upholding of a near-total 1864 abortion ban by the Arizona Supreme Court. (Photo: Pavel Danilyuk)

What is Proposition 139?

Proposition 139 is a significant ballot initiative scheduled for the November 2024 election. It seeks to enshrine the right to abortion in the Arizona State Constitution.

If passed, this amendment would make abortion a "fundamental right", preventing the state from enacting laws or regulations that would interfere with a woman's ability to terminate a pregnancy before fetal viability.

The proposition defines fetal viability as the point at which a fetus can survive outside the womb, generally considered to be around 22 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. Before this stage, the state would have limited ability to impose restrictions on abortion.