The impact of Arizona reinstating a 160-year-old abortion ban
The impact of Arizona reinstating a 160-year-old abortion ban
Also: Biden’s new student debt plan, JoJo Siwa’s wild claim, why are more young people getting cancer?
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday to uphold a Civil War-era abortion law, drastically altering the legal landscape for abortion access in the state. This near-total ban, originating from 1864, prohibits abortions with the only exception being to save the woman's life, effectively dismissing cases of rape or incest.
This decision revives the state’s oldest abortion statute, which was enacted even before Arizona's statehood and was inactive since the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The court's ruling dismissed a lower-court’s decision that a 15-week ban, enacted in March 2022, would supersede the 1864 law. This older statute imposes severe penalties, threatening two to five years in prison for anyone who performs an abortion or assists in obtaining one.
This ruling is part of an ongoing, contentious debate over abortion in Arizona, marked by intermittent legal challenges and conflicting laws that have left the state’s abortion framework particularly muddled. The Supreme Court's decision to "harmonize" the 1864 total ban with the newer 15-week restriction has introduced significant uncertainty about the legal status of abortion in the state.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, opposing the old statute, stated that she would not enforce this "draconian law." Conversely, reactions from both local leaders and the national stage have been swift and severe. President Joe Biden criticized the decision as "cruel" and damaging, particularly highlighting its failure to consider exceptions for the health of the woman or in cases of rape or incest.
The Supreme Court has delayed the enforcement of this decision for two weeks, citing pending "additional constitutional challenges." This short window provides a critical moment for opponents to rally and explore further legal avenues to challenge the statute’s constitutionality.
The implications of this decision extend beyond the immediate legal changes. It poses a significant challenge for abortion providers and patients alike, likely curtailing most abortion services in the state and potentially setting a precedent for other states with dormant pre-statehood abortion bans.
Gov. Katie Hobbs and other Democratic leaders have called for immediate legislative action to repeal the law, emphasizing the urgency as the ban's reinstatement looms. Meanwhile, abortion rights advocates are mobilizing to place a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would safeguard the right to abortion up to fetal viability, around the 24th week of pregnancy.
This turbulent scenario underscores the deeply polarized national debate on abortion, intensified by the U.S. Supreme Court's recent Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and catalyzed a reevaluation of abortion laws across the country. As Arizona grapples with these legal upheavals, the outcome could significantly influence upcoming elections and reshape the national conversation on reproductive rights.
🇺🇸 The 2024 presidential election could be decided by these six states
Did you know the 2024 presidential election could hinge on the outcomes in just six states? While national issues like abortion and the economy will influence voters nationwide, each state’s unique concerns and diverse populations could ultimately dictate the election's outcome.
Here is a snapshot of the key issues in these battleground states:
🗞️ In other News…
⚖️ Parents of Michigan school shooter sentenced to prison
After over two years awaiting trial, James and Jennifer Crumbley were sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter. This is the first time parents have been held criminally responsible for a mass shooting committed by their child. Their son was sentenced to life in prison in 2022 after killing four students at a Michigan high school in 2021. (Axios)
🌎 Around the world
🇵🇸 The Security Council revives the Palestinian Authority’s UN hopes. The US says not yet
After years of failed on-and-off peace talks, the Palestinians have turned to the United Nations to fulfill their dream of an independent state. Israel says such steps are an attempt to sidestep the negotiating process. Israel’s current right-wing government is dominated by hard-liners who oppose Palestinian statehood. (AP)
🇨🇭 Switzerland violated human rights in landmark international court climate case
In a case brought by more than 2,000 Swiss women, the European Court of Human Rights found a breach in Swiss government protection against the effects of climate change. The Swiss case could set a precedent for future cases. (CNN)
🔊 Chechnya is banning music that's too fast or slow
Songs by Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Adele, Beatles and others wouldn’t make the cut. Music will be limited to a tempo of 80 to 116 beats per minute so as not to “borrow musical culture from other peoples.” Artists have until June 1 to rewrite music that does not fit the new rule. (NPR)
🗳️ Politics
🇺🇸 Why America isn't as divided as we think, according to data
Despite deep divides on certain topics, the American public may not be as polarized as we think. Rather, social media and politicians are amplifying the most extreme voices. (Axios)
🗳️ Some states move to restrict guns at voting sites
More and more states are considering, or have moved to add, restrictions on guns at voting sites. Currently, only around a dozen states and Washington D.C. completely ban openly carried or concealed guns. (The 19th)
🗳️ Literally Anybody Else for president?
The move by a Texas man who legally changed his name to “Literally Anybody Else speaks to the widespread discontent with both 2024 presidential candidates. (The Fulcrum)
📱 Content creators ask Meta to reverse politics limits on Instagram, Threads
Hundreds of political and news content creators, along with activists, meme account administrators and journalists, have signed an open letter to Meta asking the company to reverse its decision to limit the reach of accounts posting “political content” on Threads and Instagram. The change, they say, has significantly affected creators who are Black, female, disabled and LGBTQ (Washington Post)
🕔 Proposed law will allow Californians to ignore their bosses after hours
A California Assembly member proposed a law that would give workers the “right to disconnect” when they are not on the clock. As hours on and off the clock begin to blend together more frequently, this law would prohibit consequences for not answering calls or emails from bosses while at home. (CBS News)
⚕️Health and wellness
⚕️Why are so many young people like Kate Middleton getting cancer?
Adults all over the world are developing more aggressive cancers for unclear reasons. Doctors have noticed an increase in gastrointestinal cancers, but do not know what explains the increase. (Vox)
🏠 These are the 10 worst US states to live in for your mental health, according to a new study
Nevada is ranked the worst state for mental health in the U.S., with Montana coming in at number one. The study evaluated various data points, including the prevalence of mental illness and the cost of care. (Fortune)
😴 Gen Z is struggling more than previous generations. Sleep, relaxation and a sense of purpose could change that.
Happiness for the 2,000 Gen Z Americans surveyed by Gallup is often dependent on weekend sleep and relaxation, and their sense of purpose. Experts say prioritizing health, and especially sleep, could benefit Gen Z. (CNN)
👩💻 Technology
🏢 GV (formerly Google Ventures) invests in a career platform for Gen Z
Home From College aims to disrupt the traditional job search for Gen Z, who are gravitating toward more flexible opportunities outside of the 9 to 5. (via Tech Crunch)
🧑🎓 Middle and high school students use A.I. to create deepfake nudes of their classmates
Students in several states are using “nudification” apps to convert real photos of their classmates into realistic-looking, A.I.-generated nude images. Schools in the U.S. are grappling with how to address the growing trend. (The New York Times)
⭐ Gen Z in the Spotlight
📱 Meet the 25-year-old who TikToked his way onto RFK’s campaign team
Influencer Link Lauren, who gained fame by interviewing long-shot presidential candidates, has a knack for making ‘complex individuals palatable on the internet.’ (Washington Post)
🏖️ Coastal Cool: How this Gen Z founder created his brand at 12
Meet Holden Bierman, a young man who is defying the assumptions placed on this generation with his mission-based brand that offers sustainable swim and beachwear. (Forbes)
🎓 College Corner
⛹️♀️ College athletic organization all but bans transgender athletes from women’s sports
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics approved a transgender policy limiting women’s sports to athletes whose biological sex is female. NCAA vows to ensure ‘fair competition’. (AP News)
📝 Students arelLikely writing millions of papers with AI
Turnitin, a service that checks papers for plagiarism, says its detection tool found millions of papers that may have a significant amount of AI-generated content. (Wired)
🏫 One state’s big plan to fix the high cost of college
Minnesota Democrats allocated funds to make state-run colleges and universities affordable for families that otherwise couldn’t cover the costs. (Vox)
Pop Culture
🎤 Jojo Siwa didn’t create ‘gay pop,’ according to the internet
The former Dance Moms star and current pop singer and dancer, who recently released the song “Karma”, claimed to have created a new “gay pop” music genre in an interview with Billboard Magazine. Siwa is currently rebranding herself to appeal more to her older, edgier fan base. (Her Campus)
🎭 Black actors condemn racial abuse of Romeo & Juliet star
In an open letter, more than 800 Black female and non-binary actors declare solidarity with Francesca Amewudah-Rivers after she was targeted online for being cast in Romeo & Juliet. (Guardian)
🏀 YouTube channel Dude Perfect scores more than $100 million investment
The popular YouTube group known for its trick shots has secured an investment in the range of $100 million to $300 million to support Dude Perfect’s exploration of new strategic opportunities and expansion beyond the creator economy. (CNBC)
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