Last week, Proposition 139 received overwhelming support and approval from voters in Arizona, effectively enshrining abortion rights into the state’s constitution.
The new measure grants the permission for abortions to be performed up until the point of fetal viability, typically occurring around 24 weeks.
According to Fatima Goss Graves, the president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, despite the success of ballot measures in seven out of ten states in expanding access to abortion, she argues that there are still numerous methods to further restrict and undermine abortion access, potentially on a national scale.
According to Graves, the challenges in achieving reproductive rights and equality are numerous. She highlights that there are various avenues through which birth control, fertility treatments, and the ability to control our own bodies can be targeted. Graves acknowledges that the journey to attain full equality in society will be arduous and require substantial effort.
Former President Donald Trump was officially declared the winner of Arizona over the weekend, securing the state’s 11 electoral college votes.
According to Graves, Trump has committed to veto a national abortion ban and to separate himself from the conservative playbook Project 2025.
According to her, advocates for reproductive rights, including herself, anticipate that the upcoming administration will fulfill the commitments made during the campaign.
Prop 139 directly conflicts with several abortion restrictions and laws in the state.
Once Governor Katie Hobbs officially certifies the election results later this month, pro-choice advocates plan to file legal challenges to declare the current restrictions unconstitutional.
The It Goes Too Far Campaign, a group that opposes the measure, states that they will continue the fight against extreme abortion laws.
Monica Simpson serves as the executive director of the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective.
Advocates must continue to highlight “powerful programs” while keeping their focus on the Trump administration, she emphasized.
“I want us to find a balance in doing that,” Simpson expressed, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between organizations and entities. “Together, we can ensure that we equip ourselves with the necessary power and fuel for the next four years.”
Advocacy will play a crucial role in the ongoing fight, according to Simpson, who emphasizes the importance of monitoring policy decisions.
The Carnegie Corporation of New York provided support for this reporting.
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