Vote for Abortion: In Arizona community Joined to Protect Reproductive Rights
In a powerful stand for reproductive rights, the "Vote for Abortion" rally in Arizona recently brought together activists, advocates, state representatives, celebrities and citizens alike, raising awareness about the severe abortion bans threatening the state and successfully registering over 45,000 people to vote. This event highlighted the urgent need to protect our freedoms and ensure that every individual has the right to make decisions regarding their bodies, families, and healthcare without political interference.
FEMINIST joined Arizona activist Deja Foxx on the ground to pass out free emergency contraception from Julie and register voters. While at a farmers market in Scottsdale Arizona, FEMINIST’s Co-founder Ky Polanco spoke with Arizonan’s about why they are voting for abortion rights in this election and what it means to them. Victoria Powell, 71, who voted republican for most of her life is changing her party this election because she is voting for the right to choose, “There is no reason whatsoever that any politician should ever look inside the uterus of any woman. The people that are supporting this [Abortion bans] I don’t understand. I think this is a violation of the church and state, it’s a very misguided misunderstanding of what they should do. The government should only do things that only the government can do.”
Two years after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, one in three women of reproductive age in the U.S. now live in states with abortion bans. Despite only 9% of Americans believing that abortion should be illegal in all cases, nearly a dozen states have enacted total bans. Recent research among younger voters in battleground states shows that abortion continues to be a motivating issue, driving many to the polls.
During the Vote for Abortion festival we heard from Jodie Foster, Parris Wallace, Representative Stephanie Stahl Hamilton and more! With a performance by Lauren Jauregui. The event was free and open to the public, View more here.
Freedom and Rights at Stake
The threat to reproductive rights extends beyond abortion, with extremists in Congress recently voting against protecting access to contraceptives. This movement is about safeguarding the freedom to make personal healthcare decisions, free from the influence of extremist politicians. Arizona, along with states like Florida and Texas, represents the escalating threats to these freedoms, with legislative battles over severe abortion bans, including those as extreme as six weeks.
Abortion is not just a national issue but one that impacts every local community in the United States. From state initiatives to city councils, voting has never been more crucial. In local races, even a few votes can make a significant difference, underscoring the importance of every individual's participation in the democratic process. Check your voter registration status here.
Arizona's recent history with abortion laws is a testament to the ongoing battle for reproductive rights. This spring, the state Supreme Court ruled an 1864 absolute abortion ban enforceable, though the State Legislature later voted to repeal it. However, a 15-week ban remains in place, and the possibility of a more severe ban looms.
As part of the rally we hopped on a bus and stopped at 3 locations in Phoenix Arizona to pass out free Julie, emergency contraception, a party bus drove by an exclaimed in excitement to receive free reproductive care in a state that is limiting access to abortion.
Across the country, 21 states have banned all or many abortions since Roe v. Wade was overturned. In Florida, a new 6-week ban has created an abortion desert in the southeastern United States. Additionally, nearly every Republican Senator recently voted against protecting access to birth control, showcasing the broad scope of threats to reproductive health.
Cruel laws abound in states like Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho, and Missouri, where attempts have been made to criminalize assisting residents in traveling out of state for abortions. Ten states, including Arizona, have no exceptions for rape or incest, and six states offer no exceptions for the health of the pregnant person, putting lives at risk. Texas has even proposed making access to abortion care punishable by the death penalty.
The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule on two critical cases that could further impact reproductive rights: one regarding the revocation of approval for the abortion pill Mifepristone, and another on whether states can ban abortions necessary to protect the health of the pregnant person.
How to Take Action:
→ Join us across the United States to fight for reproductive justice. Use your voice, register to vote, and make a difference. You can find out about more events at VoteforAbortion.org
→ Voting in November is crucial to protect abortion access and every person’s right to basic healthcare. Especially in states with active ballot initiatives, it is vital to use your voice and vote to ensure equal access to abortion across the country. Your vote matters—now more than ever. Check your Voter Registration
→ Help us take action by visiting our toolkit to Protect Abortion Access.
Busy Phillips embraces June Dianne
