June 15, 2011

Breaking News: Defending Life in Court  

Center for Arizona Policy was in the Arizona Court of Appeals yesterday as a part of the legal team defending the Abortion Consent Act Governor Brewer signed into law in 2009.

Here's what's at stake in the case Planned Parenthood v. Horne:

• Whether the state may require a notarized parental signature before an abortion can be performed on a minor child.
• If women will be provided with full and accurate information at least 24 hours before an abortion.
• If medical professionals can be forced to perform abortions even if it contradicts their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs.
• Whether non-doctors will be able to perform surgical abortions.

In a packed court room, both parties were given 30 minutes for oral arguments in front of a three-judge panel. Solicitor General Dave Cole and Alliance Defense Fund Senior Legal Counsel Steve Aden argued on behalf of the state to lift a superior court judge's ruling to block these key provisions of the Abortion Consent Act from taking effect.

During an hour-long lively debate, our legal team explained why it is within the state's right to regulate abortion. Planned Parenthood argued that it is not proper for the state to single out abortion for regulations. In response, Judge Michael Brown said to Planned Parenthood's attorney that it may be proper because abortion is unique since it deals with "potential life."

A ruling will most likely come in the next few months. CAP is hopeful for a favorable ruling from the court. No matter the outcome, we remain committed to see the protections in the Abortion Consent Act enacted into law. The substandard care provided by Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry is simply unacceptable. Women deserve better, and the preborn deserve to be heard.