Arizona Legislature tightens rules in abortions where fetus survives

PHOENIX — The Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature on Wednesday approved a measure requiring doctors who perform abortions to try to revive fetuses if they show any sign of life and to have needed life-saving equipment on hand.

The action is the latest in a yearslong string of anti-abortion measures pushed through the Legislature. It now heads to Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, who has repeatedly said he will sign any abortion legislation that hits his desk.

Supporters say the bill would ensure babies who survive abortions are given life-saving care. Opponents say the measure would cause futile pain to infants born too early to survive.

The new proposal tightens and expands existing Arizona law requiring life-savings measures. It boosts training and equipment requirements and increases reporting requirements and adds new definitions of what signs of life require action.

The Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights, says 35 states and the U.S. Congress have enacted such laws, many dating from the 1970s.

But none go as far as Arizona’s proposed law, said Elizabeth Nash, Guttmacher’s senior state issues manager.

The Senate gave final approval with one Democrat joining all the Republicans. The House approved the ban with no Democratic support.