Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed legislation Thursday that repeals an abortion ban in the state that dates to 1864, perhaps the most restrictive and oldest in the country, but the measure still could take effect temporarily.

The near-total Civil War-era ban permits abortions only to save the patient’s life and provides no exceptions for survivors of rape or incest.

The repeal is a victory for abortion rights advocates, who have for years tried to overturn the 1864 law that banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy, except to save a mother’s life, and

For reproductive rights advocates, the good news is a bill to repeal Arizona’s 1864 abortion ban passed. The bad news is, the larger fight isn't over.

The governor's signature on a bill overturning Arizona's abortion ban does not mean the ban goes away immediately. That could be months away.

The legislation, which is expected to be soon signed into law by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, will preserve access to the procedure for millions of women.

Democrats at the Arizona Legislature are expected to make a final push to repeal the state’s long-dormant ban on nearly all abortions that a court said can be enforced

Democrats are eyeing key state legislatures in 2024 that they say are crucial to defend abortion access, alongside ballot measures.