PHOENIX — Governor Katie Hobbs is calling for the repeal of state laws requiring abortion providers to report detailed information about pregnant women to Arizona’s government. She described these reporting requirements as government surveillance.
The Arizona Department of Health Services recently released its annual abortion report, which includes statistics such as the number of abortions performed, the methods used, the race of the patients, and their reasons for seeking the procedure. While patient names are not shared with the state or included in public reports, Governor Hobbs believes even gathering this information is invasive and unnecessary.
“This report is an attack on our freedom,” Hobbs said, emphasizing that medical decisions should remain private and not subject to government monitoring.
However, changing these laws requires approval from the Republican-controlled Legislature. Opposition is expected, including from Cathi Herrod, president of the anti-abortion Center for Arizona Policy. Herrod argues that collecting abortion data is part of the health department’s duty. She also pointed out that women can refuse to answer questions and that the state never receives their names.
Herrod believes the data collection helps identify women facing coercion or abuse, allowing providers to offer support. “Why does Governor Hobbs not want lawmakers and the public to know what’s happening with abortion care and how to help women?” she asked.
Hobbs remains firm, stating that questions about starting a family are deeply personal and should not involve government oversight.
What the Report Shows:
- In 2023, 12,705 abortions were performed on Arizona residents, compared to 77,881 live births.
- The number of abortions was the lowest since 2011, except for 2022, when the overturning of Roe v. Wade briefly halted most abortions in the state.
- Arizona currently limits abortions to the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. Only 21 abortions in 2023 occurred beyond this limit, compared to 824 in 2021.
- Reasons for abortions vary, with most listed as elective. Others cited financial issues, domestic violence, or health concerns. About a third of women refused to provide a reason.
The report also includes data on race, marital status, education level, and prior pregnancies or abortions, which Governor Hobbs sees as unnecessary and intrusive. She warned that, in some cases, the data could even identify individuals based on their county of residence.
The push to repeal these reporting laws will be led by Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, who was involved in repealing Arizona’s historic abortion ban earlier this year. Planned Parenthood Arizona supports Hobbs’ efforts, with medical director Dr. Jill Gibson arguing that the reporting requirements are medically unnecessary and divert doctors’ time away from patient care.
Gibson said, “Our government has no right to track women’s private medical decisions or burden doctors with these invasive reporting mandates.”