Lawsuit Filed to Challenge Arizona Physician-Only Pregnancy Termination Requirements
Lawsuit Challenges Arizona Physician-Only Pregnancy Termination Requirements Under 2024 Voter-Approved Amendment
A new lawsuit filed on February 4 in the Maricopa County Superior Court argues that Arizona laws limiting pregnancy termination care exclusively to physicians are unconstitutional under the pregnancy termination rights amendment approved by voters in 2024.
What the Lawsuit Challenges
The case challenges 10 statutes and four state regulations that require pregnancy terminations to be provided or directly overseen by a physician.
Plaintiffs contend these requirements unlawfully restrict access to care by excluding certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, despite their advanced training and licensure. The suit argues that these clinicians routinely manage care similar in complexity and are regulated under established safety standards.
Impact on Rural and Underserved Communities
The plaintiffs, who include Tucson-based midwives and nurse practitioners, say the restrictions disproportionately affect rural and underserved communities, where physician shortages can delay care, disrupt established patient-provider relationships, or require patients to travel long distances.
What Plaintiffs Are Seeking
The lawsuit asks the court to invalidate the physician-only requirements entirely or limit their application, asserting that scope-of-practice restrictions should be based on training, competency, and professional standards, rather than professional title alone.
Legal Defense
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is named in the case but will likely decline to defend the law, allowing state legislative leadership to intervene to defend the laws.
