Arizona State House Lawmakers Removed from Committees After Vote to Repeal 1864 Abortion Ban

The Arizona state House made headlines this week as two lawmakers were removed from key committees following the chamber’s historic vote to repeal the state’s 1864 abortion ban. Republican Rep. Matt Gress and Democrat Rep. Oscar De Los Santos were both ousted from important committees, sparking controversy and backlash.

De Los Santos, who was removed from both the Appropriations Committee and Rules Committee, spoke out against the retaliation, stating, “I will not be silenced. I will not be intimidated.” His bold stance on reproductive freedom has drawn attention and support from advocates across the state.

The repeal of the Civil War-era abortion ban was a significant moment for Arizona, with the bill passing by a narrow margin of 32-28. Three Republicans, including Gress, crossed party lines to vote in favor of the repeal, a move that has stirred up tensions within the GOP.

In a statement following the vote, Gress emphasized the need to respect and protect women while also defending the rights of the unborn. His nuanced approach to the issue reflects the complexities of the abortion debate and the diverse perspectives within the state legislature.

As the fallout from the vote continues, Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma and Speaker Pro Tempore Travis Grantham have yet to comment on the removal of Gress and De Los Santos from their committees. The political drama surrounding the abortion ban repeal is sure to have lasting implications for the state and its lawmakers.