For Immediate Release
June 24th, 2022
Contact: Josselyn Berry | jberry@azdem.org
GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Deadset on Ripping Away Arizonans’ Reproductive Rights
PHOENIX– The country has officially slipped back decades in history as the Supreme Court announced it’s taking away the long established right to an abortion and officially overturning Roe v Wade. This is especially heinous in a state like Arizona where right-wing politicians have been gleefully attacking reproductive rights for years. But these anti-choice, anti-freedom views are out of touch with the overwhelming majority of Arizonans who support the right to abortion. In fact, Arizona voters say a candidate’s stance on abortion will have a significant impact on their choices at the ballot box.
“The Republicans running for governor have made it clear they don’t believe in personal freedom and will do everything in their power to enforce this backwards and unjust ruling. These candidates are only steps away from the most powerful office in Arizona, and it’s worth reviewing just how radical their positions on abortion truly are,” said Josselyn Berry, spokesperson for the Arizona Democratic Party. “Each of them have vowed to make life without Roe as dangerous, life threatening and cruel as possible and Arizonans will suffer as a result.”
- Taylor Robson says “Roe v Wade should be overturned” During a Center for Arizona Policy forum Taylor Robson said, “Absolutely, Roe v Wade should be overturned. Arizona is already the most pro-life state in the nation, and when I’m Governor, I will work to make sure the culture of life continues and strengthens to protect those among us who are most vulnerable.”
- Bans on abortion are “a victory for life” In a statement, Karrin Taylor Robson celebrated Texas’s abortion ban as a “Victory for Life” and “a Huge Step Forward in Protecting Women and Children from the Horrors of Abortion.”
- Abortion=Sin On KTAR News, Kari Lake said “I believe that abortion is the ultimate sin…That’s my personal belief.”
- Kari Lake On Overturning Roe V Wade “Personally Am 100% Pro-Life. I Can’t Even Fathom The Thought Of Taking The Life Of The Most Innocent.” And they know, I think Americans want to let the states decide. I personally am 100% pro-life. I can’t even fathom the thought of taking the life of the most innocent in the mother’s womb. But each state will decide, each state should decide.” [Newsmax TV: Rob Schmitt Tonight, 5/4/22]
- Lake Said She Would Sign a “Carbon Copy” of the Texas Abortion Ban “In A Heartbeat” According to the State Press, “Lake also talked about Texas’ recent abortion bill, a law banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, and said the Arizona Legislature should pass a ‘carbon copy’ as soon as possible. Lake explained she is ‘unapologetically pro-life.’”
- Salmon Tried To Bribe A 14-Year-Old Rape Survivor Out Of Pursuing An Abortion In 1999, a case in Arizona made national headlines in which a 14-year-old girl in foster care requested an abortion for a pregnancy that she claimed was the result of rape. Then-Congressman Matt Salmon denounced a Maricopa County Superior Court judge’s decision granting the late-term abortion, and pledged to provide the girl with a $25,000 college scholarship if she carried the pregnancy to term. According to the Arizona Republic, Salmon said, ‘If the girl decides to have the baby, there will be a scholarship waiting for her.’” [The Associated Press, 8/28/99]
- Referring to Texas’ S.B.8 Abortion Law, Salmon Said “I Love It. If We Don’t Stand For Life, We Stand For Nothing” According to the State Press, “Salmon promised to enact anti-abortion policy if elected. Salmon said he supports a recently passed Texas law that bans abortions after six weeks and allows private citizens to sue abortion clinics and anyone who aids in the procedure. ‘I love it,’ Salmon said. ‘If we don’t stand for life, we stand for nothing.’”