Kari Lake Expresses Disappointment Over Arizona's Unenforced 1864 Abortion Ban

Kari Lake, the Republican Senate candidate in Arizona, has recently expressed disappointment that the state's 1864 near-total abortion ban is not being enforced. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the state must adhere to this century-old law, which bans all abortions except when necessary to save the pregnant woman's life. However, Arizona's Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes has stated that her office does not intend to prosecute providers or patients under this law.

Lake's recent comments signify a change from her earlier position, as she had previously criticized the court's ruling as being "out of line" and expressed support for exceptions in cases of rape and incest. The GOP candidate has been inconsistent on her stance on the abortion ban, initially campaigning for its reinstatement but later suggesting it went too far. Just a few weeks ago, Lake was reportedly lobbying Arizona lawmakers to repeal the law.

Why this matters: The issue of abortion has become a key factor in the upcoming Senate race, which could determine the control of the Senate in 2024. Lake's constantly changing position on abortion rights highlights the lack of a consistent or coherent message within the Republican party on this issue.

Lake's opponent, Democrat Ruben Gallego, warned voters against her new statements, saying, "Kari Lake will say anything to get elected, but her actions are clear. Arizonans won't be fooled by her attempts to erase her record." The Arizona State House has voted to overturn the 1864 abortion ban, with three state House Republicans joining Democrats in approving the repeal. The issue now moves to the State Senate, which could vote on the repeal as early as next Wednesday.

As the debate over abortion rights continues in Arizona, Kari Lake's changing stance of the upcoming Senate race has drawn attention from both supporters and critics. While some anti-abortion groups have expressed disappointment with her recent comments, others see her call for a "common sense solution" as an attempt to moderate her position in the face of political pressure. The outcome of the upcoming Senate race may hinge on how voters perceive Lake's credibility on this divisive issue.

Key Takeaways

• Kari Lake, GOP Senate candidate in AZ, wants 1864 abortion ban enforced.
• AZ AG Kris Mayes won't prosecute under the 1864 law; Lake's stance has changed.
• Abortion is a key issue in the AZ Senate race, which could determine Senate control.
• AZ House voted to overturn 1864 ban; issue now moves to State Senate.
• Lake's changing stance on abortion rights has drawn attention from supporters and critics.