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April 28, 2021
The Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference (ACC) are grateful that an important pro-life bill (SB 1457) was signed into law today by Governor Doug Ducey.
SB 1457 continues Arizona’s legacy as the most pro-life state in the country and establishes that Arizona’s laws will be interpreted in the context of valuing all human life. This legislation looks forward to the day that Roe v. Wade is overturned and shows concern for both unborn children and their mothers.
Arizona already has a statute on the books protecting human life from the moment of conception, and SB 1457 leaves this excellent statute in place while also not making the mother a criminal.
More immediately, SB 1457 prohibits public educational institutions from performing abortions, calls for the cremation or burial of aborted babies, forbids abortions on the basis of genetic abnormalities like Down Syndrome, and clarifies that abortion-inducing drugs may not be sent through the mail.
For all of the reasons above, we believe that SB 1457 will help mothers and their unborn babies, while saving lives. Accordingly, we are also appreciative of Senator Nancy Barto for sponsoring this bill and all of the legislators who voted in support.
Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger
Bishop of TucsonMost Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted
Bishop of PhoenixMost Rev. James S. Wall
Bishop of GallupMost Rev. Eduardo A. Nevares
Auxiliary Bishop of PhoenixMost Rev. John S. Pazak
Bishop of Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix
