Though supporters of the new abortion restrictions in Arizona said they were about safety and not cutting back on the number of procedures performed, the law has already forced Planned Parenthood to cut abortion services at clinics in Prescott Valley, Flagstaff and Yuma. At some of these locations only nurse practitioners were trained to perform abortions, and now only doctors can do the procedure. Surgical and medication abortions will still be available in Tucson and Phoenix, but many women who live in suburban and rural areas will have to drive hours for an abortion. “I think we’ve really done women a disservice in all parts of the state by imposing rules that have no medical significance and just creating barriers,” said Bryan Howard, president of Planned Parenthood of Arizona.
Earlier: Arizona Court Allows Shiny New Abortion Restrictions To Take Effect