Human Dignity, Disability & Bioethics

Arizona Republican lawmakers have introduced House Bill 2144, which would allow pregnant women to seek child support from conception and define 'pre-born child' in state law, a move critics say effectively bans abortion by establishing fetal personhood. This legislation directly challenges Arizona's 2024 constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights and follows previous similar bills that were vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs, highlighting ongoing abortion policy debates within the state.

Arizona Republican lawmakers are advancing a new wave of abortion legislation despite a February 2026 court ruling that struck down several abortion restrictions and upheld the state's Proposition 139 constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights. The bills under consideration in the Arizona Capitol include expanding fetal personhood language and imposing new penalties related to abortion medication, reflecting ongoing efforts by Arizona GOP leaders to limit abortion access despite voter approval of Prop.