Arizona lawmakers have repealed a 160-year-old ban on almost all abortions, blocking its potential reinstatement.

The old law, dating back to 1864, only allowed abortions to save the life of the mother, with punitive measures for doctors who performed them.

The repeal follows a contentious decision by the state's Supreme Court to uphold the law, which sparked political debate and national attention.

The repeal is pending the signature of Governor Katie Hobbs and would uphold the 2022 law that allows abortions up to fifteen weeks of pregnancy.

The abortion issue remains divisive in the US, characterized by varied state laws and ongoing legal controversies.