Arizona Doctors File Lawsuit to Overturn Abortion Restrictions After Constitutional Amendment

An alliance of physicians in Arizona initiated a lawsuit on Tuesday with the goal of overturning various abortion restrictions still in effect. They contend that these laws are not medically justified and infringe upon the recently established constitutional protections for abortion access in the state.

The lawsuit comes in the wake of Proposition 139, referred to as the Arizona Abortion Access Act, which received strong voter support in November 2024 to establish the right to abortion within the state constitution. Following its enactment, courts have intervened to halt Arizona’s 15-week abortion ban, and now physicians are advocating for the removal of additional obstacles to care.

Included in the restrictions contested in the lawsuit include that patients must make two distinct visits to a clinic: the first for state-mandated counseling and the second, at least 24 hours later, to receive care. 

Medical professionals indicate that this leads to delays in care that are not medically necessary, frequently prolonging treatment by days or even weeks.

Arizona law currently prohibits abortion if a provider suspects the reason is related to a fetal condition, effectively compelling doctors to turn patients away.

Prohibition on telemedicine and mail-order abortion medications: Although it is a safe and effective choice, Arizona stands as one of only four states that ban telemedicine for medication abortion and the mailing of abortion pills — a policy that healthcare professionals contend endangers rural and low-income patients, especially.

“These restrictions are intended to complicate abortion care, making it more challenging, time-consuming, costly, and distressing,” stated Dr. Paul Isaacson, an OB-GYN and co-owner of Family Planning Associates Medical Group. “The state of Arizona has compelled me to compromise my responsibility as a doctor to deliver accurate information and the safest, most compassionate care to my patients.”

Dr. William Richardson, OB-GYN and owner of Choices Women’s Center, stated that the state’s telemedicine ban “prioritizes politics over patient health.” He highlighted the importance of remote access for marginalized and rural communities.

“There is no medical justification preventing me from providing abortion care through telemedicine,” Richardson stated. “Arizonans deserve autonomy, dignity, and evidence-based care, which is why I joined this lawsuit to turn that vision into reality — not only for my patients but for all.”

The doctors contend that these persistent laws lack scientific backing and are in direct opposition to Arizona’s newly established constitutional protections. If the lawsuit is successful, it could significantly enhance access to abortion care throughout the state, particularly for individuals in underserved communities.

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