Every state has different laws regarding abortion. Some states ban abortion in most cases, while others have no restrictions. On November 5, 2024, voters approved Proposition 139, which changed the law regarding abortion in Arizona.
The proposition established a fundamental right to abortion under the Arizona Constitution, making abortion legal until “fetal viability.” How has the law changed, and what does it mean for you? Let’s take a closer look.
What Changed?
Previously, the state of Arizona banned abortion after 15 weeks of gestation. A woman could obtain an abortion after 15 weeks if a healthcare provider deemed it necessary to save her life.
After passing Proposition 139, abortion became legal up until fetal viability, which is generally considered to be around 22 to 24 weeks.
What Does “Fetal Viability” Mean?
Viability determines if a fetus is developing. The Arizona Constitution defines “fetal viability” as the “significant likelihood of the fetus’s sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures.”
A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks from the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period. Healthcare professionals consider the 24th week the best point of potential viability. However, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, a baby born at 21 weeks of gestation in 2020 is the most premature to survive.
Did You Know That Not All Pregnancies Are Viable?
Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks.
Symptoms of miscarriage can include pelvic and abdominal cramping with or without vaginal bleeding. You can also get a positive pregnancy test result days or even weeks after a miscarriage because it takes a woman’s body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.
The easiest way to determine if your pregnancy is viable or if you have miscarried is to have a limited obstetrical ultrasound. Not only does an ultrasound determine viability, but you also learn how many weeks you have been pregnant and if the location of your pregnancy is correct.
A pregnancy not located in the uterus is considered ectopic. An ectopic pregnancy is dangerous, even life-threatening. You should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible if an ectopic pregnancy is discovered.
How Can the Pregnancy Care Center Help Me?
We want you to have as much information as possible about your pregnancy, so the Pregnancy Care Center offers free, limited ultrasounds to those who qualify.
Your health and safety are our top priority. If you’re considering abortion, take the steps to get the necessary information first. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can provide factual information about abortion procedures, the side effects to expect, and potential physical and emotional risks.
Schedule an appointment to meet with one of our client advocates and take a pregnancy test. If necessary, they’ll arrange for you to have a free limited ultrasound with our licensed OB/GYN or Sonographer.
Contact us today. We’re here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.