Arizona’s political leaders react to Supreme Court abortion ruling
Jun 24, 2022, 12:49 PM | Updated: Jun 25, 2022, 9:44 am
People protest about abortion, Friday, June 24, 2022, outside the Supreme Court in Washington. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
(AP Photo/Steve Helber)
PHOENIX – The Supreme Court ended nearly 50 years of constitutional protections for abortion, overturning Roe v. Wade on Friday.
The ruling came more than a month after the stunning leak of a draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito indicating the court was prepared to take this momentous step.
Many of Arizona’s political leaders at the state and federal levels shared their reactions to the 6-3 ruling:
Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey statement: “Roe v. Wade was a poorly-reasoned ruling that had no Constitutional basis. The Supreme Court has made the right decision by finally overturning it and giving governing power back to the people and the states.”
Democratic U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema: “A woman’s health care choices should be between her, her family, and her doctor. Today’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade endangers the health and wellbeing of women in Arizona and across America.”
Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly: “Today’s decision is a giant step backward for our country.
“In Arizona, there are already restrictive bans on the books that will take rights away from Arizona women, without exceptions even in the case of rape or incest. … This is an all-hands-on-deck moment.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego statement: “The ruling will have especially harsh consequences in Arizona. Our state’s long and storied history of attacking reproductive freedom mean that Arizonans will feel the impact of this right being stripped away almost immediately.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs tweet: “Today’s decision is a major victory for all unborn children.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton statement: “The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe will have immediate and devastating effects for Arizona women’s health and safety—and their fundamental right to determine their futures.
“This is a dark, dark day for our country, and the Supreme Court.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko statement: “The U.S. Supreme Court made the right decision on Dobbs. The abortion debate will finally be returned to the people through their elected representatives.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom O’Halleran statement: :Today, I am furious, disappointed, crestfallen … I firmly support a woman’s right to choose and believe that health care decisions should lie solely between a woman and her doctor.”
Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar tweet: “Let us welcome life and take care of our children.”
Republican Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich statement: “I look forward to seeing the issue returned to elected representatives where it belongs. As Americans, we believe in the dignity and value of every person.”
Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs statement: “Knowing that this day was coming doesn’t dull the pain. I am heartbroken and I am angry.”
Arizona House Minority Leader Reginald Bolding statement: “By overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court has now officially given politicians permission to control what a person does with their own body — that doesn’t sound like freedom to me.”
Arizona Democratic Party Chair Raquel Teran tweet: “Due to trigger laws and decades-old legislation, this decision to remove Roe could immediately mean the end of access to abortion in AZ.”
Arizona Senate Republicans statement: “This is a monumental day for our nation and for babies. … The states will now decide how to protect mothers and their unborn children.”
The Associated Press contributed to the report.
