Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at a campaign event in Phoenix, Arizona, where she emphasized the importance of re-electing President Biden to secure women’s reproductive rights. She made a clear distinction between Biden and former President Donald Trump by stating that Biden would sign legislation ensuring access to abortions nationally if presented with it. Harris highlighted the belief that women should have autonomy over their bodies, regardless of their faith or beliefs, and that the government should not interfere in those decisions.
On the two-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs vs. Jackson, which overturned Roe vs. Wade, Harris blamed Trump for the decision. She pointed out that Trump’s selection of three Supreme Court justices with the intent to unravel protections for reproductive rights led to the 2022 decision that impacted women across the country. Arizona, a state that implemented abortion restrictions following the Dobbs ruling, has faced criticism for its 15-week ban on the procedure that does not include exceptions for cases of rape or incest. Harris condemned this ban, stating that it was immoral to deny survivors of violence the right to make decisions about their own bodies.
The abortion debate in Arizona was reignited earlier this year when an 1864 law outlawing nearly all abortions in the state could potentially become enforceable following a ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court. After weeks of debate, Democrats and some Republicans voted to repeal the outdated law, which was signed by Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. Abortion-rights activists are now seeking to enshrine the right to the procedure until fetal viability in the state’s constitution through a proposed constitutional amendment. However, opponents argue that the amendment’s language, which includes a broad “mental health” exemption, could lead to late-term abortions.
During her visit to Arizona, Harris praised the state’s efforts in the fight for reproductive freedom and highlighted the impact of the upcoming election on the people of Arizona. She encouraged everyone to get registered to vote and emphasized the importance of active participation in shaping the country’s future. A CBS News poll found that 51% of likely voters in Arizona considered abortion a major factor in deciding who to vote for in the presidential election, although other issues such as the economy and the US-Mexico border were also significant concerns for voters.
Harris’s event in Arizona was attended by several state lawmakers, although Governor Katie Hobbs and Democratic state Attorney General Kris Mayes were notably absent. Mayes was unable to attend due to a virtual court hearing. The Vice President’s visit to Arizona follows visits from other prominent figures such as First Lady Jill Biden and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland earlier in the month. Arizona, a state that narrowly went to Biden in 2020 after Trump’s win in 2016, currently shows the presumptive GOP candidate for president with a 5.6 point advantage in the polls.
Harris ended her speech in Arizona with a message of optimism, declaring that despite the challenges, they would ultimately win. She urged people to recognize the importance of the upcoming election and to take action to shape the future for generations to come. Harris’s visit highlighted the ongoing battle for reproductive rights in Arizona and across the country, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and engagement in the political process.
