The attempt to repeal Arizona's pre-Civil War abortion ban hit a stubborn wall in the House on Wednesday, but the Senate has shaken the dust off to pave a potential new way forward, reports say. While House Democrats failed to secure a majority needed to overturn the 1864 law that restricts abortions to instances when the mother's life is in danger, with no exceptions for rape or incest, a surprise turn of events in the Senate brought hope for change, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.

Echoing the sentiments of House Democrats, Republican Matt Gress, who previously advocated for repeal, argued that the law fails to reflect current societal values. "We need to get that taken care of, and get it taken care of as soon as possible," Gress told FOX 10 Phoenix, pointing out the nation's focus on Arizona at this critical moment. GOP members in the House, however, resisted the notion of hastening legislative action on such a contentious issue, while Democrats countered that there has been ample time to tackle the abortion issue head-on.

Following the House's stalemate, where a tie vote of 30-30 stopped the motion to consider the repeal bill, the Senate demonstrated an unexpected shift. A push by Sen. Anna Hernandez, D, resulted in a 16-14 vote in favor of introducing legislation to rescind the historical ban, as per an update from 12 News. This move could circumnavigate the standard legislative path and potentially bring the bill to a vote within days.

Cathi Herrod, a respected figure in the anti-abortion camp and influential in shaping legislative policy for more than two decades, voiced her concerns. "Those who call themselves pro life need to stay pro life," Herrod emphasized in an interview noted by 12 News. She cautioned Republican politicians against swaying with perceived political currents, underscoring the importance of consistency in their pro-life stance.

Amidst this legislative tug-of-war, the consequences of the abortion law hang in the balance as the Arizona Supreme Court's recent decision looms over the state. With the November election approaching, the coalition of abortion rights advocates earnestly seeks to cement reproductive rights in the state constitution. The ongoing struggle represents a divisive and definitive chapter for Arizona, one that promises to shape the future of reproductive autonomy and legislative authority for years to come.