For Immediate Release
June 29th, 2022
Contact: Josselyn Berry | jberry@azdem.org
Karrin Taylor Robson and Kari Lake Race to the Bottom on Abortion
The Candidates Are Battling it Out to Prove Who’s More Extreme on Abortion
PHOENIX– In the days following the Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade, Karrin Taylor Robson and Kari Lake have been eagerly battling it out to prove which one of them is the most radical, anti-choice candidate.
Banning Abortion Pills
On Monday, Lake went on Fox News where she threw a toddler-worthy temper tantrum and argued with the host. Lost in the coverage of this interview though, is Lake saying she supports banning abortion pills. It’s well-established that medication abortion — also called the abortion pill — is a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy. Lake responded to the SCOTUS decision by saying she supports the 1901 Arizona law that would require a minimum of two years of prison for abortion providers and also doesn’t include exceptions for rape or incest. Lake has previously called abortion the “ultimate sin” and pledged to sign a “carbon copy” of the Texas ban on abortion, that does NOT include exceptions for rape or incest.
Downplaying Rape
Not to be outdone by Lake, Karrin Taylor Robson is making increasingly extreme statements on abortion. During an interview the day SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade, Karrin Taylor Robson shrugged off the need for exceptions for rape and incest. When asked by KTAR if she would support an exception for abortion in the case of a 14-year-old being raped and impregnated by her step-father, Robson said, “the instance of pregnancies occurring in violent situations are extremely rare. In fact, it’s estimated about, you know, [in] less than two percent of those situations do a pregnancy occur.” During the interview, Taylor Robson also called the overturning of Roe “a victory” and suggested abortions could be punishable with prison time by equating them to murder.
Now her campaign is doing damage control and claiming she does support exceptions for rape and incest. Thankfully, Laurie Roberts at the Arizona Republic is calling her bluff, pointing out how Taylor Robson has said she supports both the Texas ban on abortion, and the 15-week Arizona ban on abortion–Both laws have no exceptions for rape or incest.
“Kari Lake and Karrin Taylor Robson’s extremist views on abortion are going to be disastrous and life-threatening for Arizonans,” said Josselyn Berry, spokesperson for the Arizona Democratic Party. “Their frenzied desire to ban abortion in all almost all cases flies in the face of the majority of Arizonans who want abortion to remain legal and accessible. We need to take them at their word, and realize if they get to the 9th floor, they will absolutely eliminate all access to abortion care for Arizonans.”
More Background on the Candidate’s Extreme Stances on Abortion:
- Karrin 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.”
- Karrin Taylor Robson: Abortion bans 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.”
- Kari Lake would put abortion providers in jail – Arizona’s 1901 law, which Lake thinks is “a great law” would require a minimum of two years of prison for abortion providers.
- 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 in the mother’s womb. But each state will decide, each state should decide.” [Newsmax TV: Rob Schmitt Tonight, 5/4/22]
- Kari 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.’” The Texas law does NOT include exceptions for rape or incest.