Amidst the political landscape of Arizona, Davine Cortez, a businesswoman previously indifferent to politics, eagerly signed a petition brought to her doorstep by volunteers from the Biden-Harris campaign. The petition aimed to protect abortion rights in the state, garnering Cortez’s immediate support.
Arizona’s Supreme Court recently reinstated a restrictive 1864 law, sparking renewed debate and activism around reproductive rights in the state.
With no exceptions for cases of rape or incest, the ruling has raised abortion as a central issue in the 2024 presidential campaign, particularly for President Biden, who staunchly defends reproductive rights.
Cortez emphasized the importance of abortion access, viewing it as a fundamental human right. She joined the petition, asserting individuals’ autonomy over their bodies, whether concerning abortion or vaccines.
The reinstatement of the 1864 law echoes a broader trend across the U.S., with approximately 20 states imposing stringent abortion restrictions following the 2022 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Democrats, alarmed by the erosion of reproductive rights, are mobilizing on the ground, aiming to sway voters in a state where Biden won by a slim margin in 2020.
Vice President Harris characterized the ruling as regressive, warning of a return to the 1800s under a potential second Trump term.
Democrats, driven by the urgency of the issue, seek to enshrine abortion rights in Arizona’s state constitution through a referendum.
With over half a million signatures already collected for the petition, the campaign seeks to capitalize on the upcoming presidential election to galvanize support.
Senator Mark Kelly stressed the significance of political representation in safeguarding citizens’ rights.
