Arizona Executive Order Safeguards Abortion

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs has signed a sweeping executive order to protect anyone involved with a legally obtained abortion from prosecution. The Democratic governor said Friday she will continue to fight for access to safe and legal abortions. The order bans local prosecutors from bringing abortion-related charges and state agencies from assisting in any criminal investigations. In addition, Arizona will not honor any extradition requests for people wanted for assisting, providing or seeking an abortion. Only Attorney General Kris Mayes, also a Democrat, will be able to oversee abortion-related prosecutions. Abortions are currently allowed in Arizona in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy under a 2022 law.