Arizona Dems Thwart Law Enforcement

Arizona law prohibits most abortions after the baby has reached 15 weeks of age in the womb. However, the state's top Democrats have ensured that this law will not be enforced. Attorney General Kris Mayes says she will not enforce this law. Gov. Katie Hobbs issued an executive order barring county prosecutors from prosecuting anyone for violating this law.

Hobbs justified her refusal to allow the enforcement of the post-15-week ban on abortion by contending that "a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy takes priority over the legislature's misguided attempt to negate this right. Fortunately Kris and I are on the same page in this controversy."

Twelve of the state's 15 county attorneys objected to Hobbs' action, saying "it sets a dangerous precedent and suggests that any Arizona governor can order the attorney general to assume all duties related to an entire category of criminal prosecution and, by consequence, prohibit local prosecutors from acting. County attorneys are independently elected officers of the court who are expected to enforce state laws within their jurisdiction. The Governor's usurpation of our authority is a lawless act.”

Hobbs spokesperson Christian Slater rejected the county attorneys' request, saying "Governor Hobbs will continue to use her authority to put sanity over chaos and protect everyday Arizonans from extremists. I suggest that rather than harassing women and doctors over reproductive healthcare, these county attorneys pursue the domestic terrorists who are trying to destroy our democracy."

SEMI-NEWS/SEMI-SATIRE by John Semmens