Planned Parenthood Arizona has restarted abortion services in northern Arizona, specifically offering medication abortions at their Flagstaff clinic, despite the looming threat of an 1864 law that nearly bans all abortions. The organization has begun accepting appointments at this location, determined to provide care as permitted by law.

This revival of services is particularly impactful as medication abortions, which involve a two-drug regimen recommended for use within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, account for more than half of all abortions in both Arizona and the U.S. at large.

The move comes in response to the Arizona Supreme Court's decision on April 9 to uphold the archaic ban, though the court also paused the enforcement of this ruling for 14 days to allow time for additional legal challenges, including those questioning the constitutionality of the ban. The Alliance Defending Freedom, which secured a victory in the Supreme Court case, suggested that enforcement could begin shortly after the two-week stay. However, Planned Parenthood and other providers expect to continue services into May, bolstered by a separate ruling from the Maricopa County Superior Court which blocks the ban's enforcement for 45 days following the finalization of the Supreme Court’s decision.

Planned Parenthood's announcement also addresses the significant gap in accessible abortion services in northern Arizona, described by the organization as an "abortion desert." Residents previously faced the burden of traveling hundreds of miles to access similar services. The Flagstaff clinic, one of four Planned Parenthood facilities in Arizona traditionally offering abortions, had halted these services in June 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This landmark ruling had previously safeguarded the constitutional right to obtain an abortion.

The uncertainty and frequent legal changes since the reversal of Roe v. Wade caused many clinics, including Planned Parenthood’s Arizona locations, to experience interruptions in service and challenges in maintaining staff. With the reintroduction of services in Flagstaff, all four Planned Parenthood clinics in Arizona are now actively offering abortions again, with locations also in Tempe, Glendale, and Tucson.

Statistics from the Arizona Department of Health Services indicate a decline in the number of abortions performed in the state: down from 13,998 in 2021 to 11,530 in 2022, an approximate drop of 18%.

Angela Florez, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Arizona and a native of northern Arizona, expressed her determination to continue providing abortion care despite opposition, citing widespread support for abortion rights among Arizonans. She emphasized the organization’s commitment to fighting for the rights of Arizonans to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and futures.

Healthcare professionals have warned that the Supreme Court's decision could lead to increased maternal mortality and exacerbate issues like economic instability and staying in abusive relationships. Disenfranchised communities, including young people and people of color, are considered to be at greatest risk.

In a stand against the 1864 ban, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Governor Katie Hobbs have assured that they will not prosecute any individual or doctor under the outdated law, emphasizing a protective stance for those seeking or providing abortion services in Arizona.