MCMS strongly disagrees with the Arizona Supreme Court decision to enforce the 1864 law on a near-total abortion ban.

Phoenix, Arizona – Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS) leadership is deeply concerned by today’s Arizona Supreme Court ruling to uphold the 1864 law on a near total abortion ban. This will allow Arizona to enforce the penal code provision barring all abortions except in cases deemed “life threating” to save a pregnant woman’s life. This law will punish physicians should they assist with resources and/or perform abortions.
 

As an organization that represents physicians across Maricopa County, MCMS opposes efforts that could limit a woman’s ability to receive the medical care she may need from her doctor. We understand that reproductive health is a public health issue, and the government should not be involved at any level in the physician-patient relationship.
 

MCMS is against legislative efforts and former laws to enact penalties on physicians who provide high-quality, safe methods of contraception and pregnancy termination. MCMS is committed to aggressively advocating for physicians’ rights to treat their patients in the most ethical, professional, and legal ways possible, ensuring the utmost respect for patients’ privacy and dedicated to delivering the best care possible. We are committed to providing care based on scientific evidence including best practices for reproductive health. Personal or religious beliefs should not influence science and medicine.
 

MCMS physicians believe the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision may increase maternal mortality and potential health complications, as timely and safe abortion care will cease to be available. The decision may especially impact minorities, rural areas, and low-income populations who cannot travel or otherwise access necessary procedures.
 

Maricopa County Medical Society: A strong, collective physician voice.

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Contact: Edward Araujo, Director of Marketing and Communications at Maricopa County Medical Society (MCMS), 602-417-2303 or earaujo@mcmsonline.com.