Arizona senate passes repeal of 1864 near-total abortion ban

Democrats pick up support of two Republicans to repeal law reinstated three weeks ago, with governor expected to ratify repeal

Arizona lawmakers have repealed the state's 160-year-old statute banning nearly all abortions.

The 1864 law, which was reinstated by the state supreme court three weeks ago, has made abortion a central focus in the battleground state and galvanized Democrats seeking to enshrine abortion rights.