Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs announced an executive order on Friday that protects abortion rights within the state one year after the Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health Organization decision. Abortion is generally legal before 15 weeks in Arizona under a law passed by former Governor Doug Ducey.

According to the announcement, the order “centralizes” all abortion-related prosecutions under the attorney general. Additionally, the order directs state agencies not to assist in investigations relating to reproductive health care that would be legal in Arizona. The order also states that Arizona will decline extradition requests from other states seeking to prosecute abortion services. Lastly, the order establishes the Governor’s Advisory Council on Protecting Reproductive Freedom to “make recommendations that expand access to reproductive healthcare in Arizona.”

Under current Arizona law, passed under the former governor, abortions are generally legal before 15 weeks, with exceptions for “medical emergencies.” The law defines medical emergencies as a “condition that, on the basis of the physician’s good faith clinical judgment, so complicates the medical condition of a pregnant woman as to necessitate the immediate abortion of her pregnancy to avert her death or for which a delay will create serious risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.” Abortion providers can be both civilly and criminally liable for violations. 

In response to the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes stated:

Governor Hobbs centralized authority over abortion-related prosecutions in Arizona courts in the Attorney General’s office. That means Arizonans can seek abortions and access reproductive health care – without interference or fear of criminal prosecution. … In addition, a dedicated Reproductive Rights Unit in our office is actively monitoring and engaging with many of issues and legal developments in the reproductive healthcare space. The aftermath of Dobbs has brought many challenges, but it has also demonstrated the resilience of our community. I am devoted to protecting Arizonans’ privacy and bodily autonomy. We are charging forward.

On the same day, President Joe Biden signed an executive order designed to strengthen and protect access to contraception.