The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled that the state must abide by a 160-year-old law that essentially bans abortion unless deemed necessary to save a pregnant woman’s life.

The majority opinion was written by Justice John R. Lopez IV.

With the federal constitutional right to abortion no longer upheld, Arizona’s near-total abortion ban is once again in the spotlight, prompting fierce reactions from both parties. Abortion clinics across the state are facing closure after the law is enacted.

Angela Flores, director of Planned Parenthood Arizona, described the day as “a dark day in Arizona.”

The law, which originated during the Civil War and was formally codified in 1901, imposes severe penalties on abortion providers, including imprisonment.

After the ruling, Arizona became one of a handful of states with the strictest abortion laws, such as Texas, Alabama and Mississippi.

The law imposes a prison sentence of two to five years on anyone who assists in an abortion unless it is to save the life of the mother.

Arizona Attorney General Chris Meyers said no charges would be filed under the law because it is outdated.

Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, triggering a new round of legal battles, followed by a 4-2 decision.

Critics of the decision, including Arizona Sen. Eva Burch, warned of the consequences it could have on health care providers and patients. Dr. Jill Gibson of Planned Parenthood Arizona reiterated similar concerns, emphasizing the need for medical professionals to perform the procedure without fear of legal repercussions.