Arizona lawmakers voted Wednesday to repeal an abortion ban that was first passed in 1864, when the state was still a territory. The repeal bill passed on a 16-14 vote in the Republican-controlled state Senate, with two Republican senators breaking ranks to support it along with every other Democratic senator, creating a rift within the Republican Party traditionally considered pro abortion. The controversial ban only allowed abortions to save a patient's life, with no exceptions for rape victims.

Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat expected to sign the repeal Thursday, said, "Arizona women should not live in a state where politicians make decisions that should be between a woman and her doctor." The repeal will not take effect until 90 days after the legislature adjourns for the summer. Earlier this month, Republicans denounced the Arizona Supreme Court ruling that upheld the 160-year-old abortion ban. /AA