Planned Parenthood Arizona has recommenced abortion services at their Flagstaff clinic, specifically offering medication abortions, amidst the looming possibility of an 1864 law that nearly prohibits all abortions. This decision comes in response to the Arizona Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold this old ban but has delayed its enforcement for 14 days, allowing time for further legal challenges.

This reintroduction is significant as the Flagstaff clinic represents an important resource in northern Arizona, a region previously described by Planned Parenthood as an "abortion desert" due to the scarcity of available services. Medication abortions, which consist of a two-drug regimen used within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, are a major part of abortion services, making up over half of all abortions in Arizona and the U.S. broadly.

The legal backdrop includes a victory by the Alliance Defending Freedom in the Supreme Court, which supports the 1864 ban, and a Maricopa County Superior Court decision that blocks this ban for 45 days post the Supreme Court’s final ruling. Despite these legal entanglements, Planned Parenthood anticipates continuing services into May and possibly beyond, depending on the outcomes of ongoing legal proceedings.

Planned Parenthood’s operations had been significantly disrupted since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, which had protected the constitutional right to abortion. This landmark reversal led to the cessation of abortion services in Flagstaff and created challenges in staffing and service continuity across Planned Parenthood's Arizona facilities.

Now, with the resumption of services in Flagstaff, all four Planned Parenthood clinics in Arizona are active again, including those in Tempe, Glendale, and Tucson. This development is poised to address the high need for accessible abortion services in the region, especially as state statistics show a decline in the number of abortions performed—from 13,998 in 2021 to 11,530 in 2022.

Angela Florez, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Arizona, has expressed a strong commitment to continue providing these services despite the challenges, reflecting widespread support for abortion rights in Arizona. Additionally, both Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Governor Katie Hobbs have stated they will not prosecute under the archaic 1864 law, indicating a protective stance towards individuals and healthcare providers involved in abortion services in the state.

Healthcare professionals have also highlighted potential increases in maternal mortality and other social issues as consequences of restricted abortion access, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these services for the health and well-being of individuals, particularly in disadvantaged communities.