Health Care

Arizona GOP blocks abortion ban repeal

A procedural vote to fast-track the bill resulted in a tie.
The Arizona Capitol in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

The Arizona House deadlocked Wednesday on a Democratic effort to overturn the state’s 1864 ban on abortions, after Republicans came under pressure from anti-abortion rights groups who staged a last-minute rally.

A procedural vote to fast-track the bill repealing the territorial law resulted in a 30-30 tie, as a lone Republican — Rep. Matt Gress (R), who represents a swing district in Phoenix — sided with Democrats. The tie meant the move to advance the underlying legislation failed.

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