Governor Hobbs issued an executive order last week which gives Attorney General Kris Mayes prosecutorial authority over any abortion prosecutions in Arizona – removing that authority from the various county attorneys in AZ.
The Executive Order states that the AG “… shall assume duties with regard to any criminal prosecution of a medical provider or other entity or individual that is pending or brought in the future by the county attorney of any county” that is related to abortion care.
The order also prohibits state agencies (mostly ADHS and various Boards) from “... participating in or assisting an investigation of unlawful abortion procedures” (unless required by a court order) and states that Arizona won’t extradite anyone charged with abortion-related crimes in another state.
The Order also creates a new committee to study abortion access and provide recommendations to the governor. Here’s where you can read the Executive Order.
Note: This action will no doubt be court.
