For Immediate Release
Thursday, Oct. 27th, 2022
Contact: Josselyn Berry, Jberry@azdem.org
Kari Lake Claims Abortion Bans Will Put More Rapists In Jail
“Lake’s statement is ridiculous, offensive and actively harmful”
PHOENIX–Kari Lake thinks that banning abortion will lead to “locking up a lot more rapists.” Lake made the claim in an interview last Sunday during a televised interview by KTAR radio host Mike Broomhead.
The outrageous claim prompted an outcry from advocates, including Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, who said, “There are absolutely no proven connections between lack of access to abortion and imprisonment of rapists….I am confused and incredulous.”
Darrell Hill, policy director for the ACLU of Arizona said, “Lake’s statement is ridiculous, offensive and actively harmful to survivors of sexual assault and anyone seeking abortion care.Our government should never force people to seek permission from the courts to receive necessary healthcare. If Lake wanted to support survivors, she should closely listen to their needs rather than make up baseless theories.”
Mike Broomhead also asked whether Lake would sign legislation allowing exceptions in cases of incest or rape, and Lake refused to commit to backing exceptions in any abortion restriction laws she might sign as governor. She instead lied saying, “I believe the 15-week bill does have that.” Arizona’s 15-week ban on abortion does not have exceptions for rape or incest.
Kari Lake’s Real Stances on Abortion: As the Arizona Republic reported, “Lake has not budged from her staunch opposition to abortion,” despite a majority of Arizonans supporting access to abortion and it becoming a top issue in this election. Lake has long supported the 1901 ban on abortion, which has no exceptions for rape or incest and requires prison time for doctors. She responded to the SCOTUS decision overturning Roe by saying she supports the 1901 Arizona law and celebrated it again as a “great law” during a forum in February and said she would support and enforce it during the Republican primary debate. She’s said, “I am pro-life 100%. I’m against abortion,” opposing exceptions for rape and incest. Kari Lake has also referred to people who seek abortion care as “executioners” and murderers.