Democrats: Supreme Court Wants To Punish Women and Take Away Their Rights

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“This expected ruling marks a historic setback in the fight for our fundamental rights across the country. – Katie Hobbs

Ladies and Gentlemen in the United States: Be afraid. Be very afraid. To quote the title of Sinclair Lewis’s work, “it is happening here.”

The Republican Party, its agents in red-state governments, and the courts are on the verge of taking away a woman’s right to choose and creating the prelude to the society depicted in The Handmaid’s Tale.

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This is in addition to their continual crusade to stifle voter rights, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and any program designed to lift people up.

With the revelation of the leaked Justice Alito draft opinion that, if followed, would overturn Roe V Wade, women in this country would revert back to second-class citizen status.

Furthermore, if this opinion is the one that is issued this summer, women:

  • Would not be able to terminate a pregnancy in a red state if they were raped.
  • Would not be able to terminate a pregnancy in a red state if they were the victims of incest.
  • Would not be able to terminate a pregnancy in a red state if the unfortunate unborn child was severely deformed and would not live long after delivery.

“This politically motivated decision will harm millions of families across the country.” – Raquel Teran

Democratic Fury from the White House and across Arizona. 

It did not take long for the White House and leaders across Arizona and the country to voice their strong distaste for the leaked Alito opinion.

The White House Press Office issued a statement from President Biden that read:

“We do not know whether this draft is genuine, or whether it reflects the final decision of the Court.

With that critical caveat, I want to be clear on three points about the cases before the Supreme Court.

First, my administration argued strongly before the Court in defense of Roe v. Wade. We said that Roe is based on “a long line of precedent recognizing ‘the Fourteenth Amendment’s concept of personal liberty’… against government interference with intensely personal decisions.” I believe that a woman’s right to choose is fundamental, Roe has been the law of the land for almost fifty years, and basic fairness and the stability of our law demand that it not be overturned.

Second, shortly after the enactment of Texas law SB 8 and other laws restricting women’s reproductive rights, I directed my Gender Policy Council and White House Counsel’s Office to prepare options for an Administration response to the continued attack on abortion and reproductive rights, under a variety of possible outcomes in the cases pending before the Supreme Court. We will be ready when any ruling is issued.

Third, if the Court does overturn Roe, it will fall on our nation’s elected officials at all levels of government to protect a woman’s right to choose. And it will fall on voters to elect pro-choice officials this November. At the federal level, we will need more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, which I will work to pass and sign into law.”

Vice President Kamala Harris relayed:

“The United States Supreme Court has now confirmed that the draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade is genuine.

Roe ensures a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion. It also, at its root, protects the fundamental right to privacy. What is clear is that opponents of Roe want to punish women and take away their rights to make decisions about their own bodies. Republican legislators in states across the country are weaponizing the use of the law against women.

The rights of all Americans are at risk. If the right to privacy is weakened, every person could face a future in which the government can potentially interfere in the personal decisions you make about your life. This is the time to fight for women and for our country with everything we have.”

The reaction among Arizona’s leaders closely echoed the President and Vice President’s.

Arizona Democratic Party Chairperson Raquel Teran wrote:

“Like the majority of Arizonans, and Americans, I am deeply angered and hurt by the leaked draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This politically motivated decision will harm millions of families across the country and will disproportionately affect people of color and minorities. Let us be clear: people will die because the GOP is relentless in imposing their ideological control over our bodies. The Republican playbook has never been clearer: they are willing to stop at nothing to ban, bully, and dehumanize anyone who does not look and act the way they want.”

“Now all eyes turn to the states to protect safe, legal, and affordable access to abortion and contraception. Arizona Democrats are united with families and doctors across our home state – and we are going to fight like hell to protect the right to abortion as essential healthcare. While the entire country waits with bated breath for a final and official SCOTUS decision, the Arizona Democratic Party condemns in the strongest terms these attacks on our constitutional rights. For now, abortion is still legal in Arizona, but the writing on the wall is becoming clearer. This November, Arizonans are going to make our outrage heard by electing pro-choice women up and down the ballot who will do what Republicans have not; protect our ability to make our own decisions.”

Arizona Secretary of State and Gubernatorial Candidate Katie Hobbs relayed:

“This expected ruling marks a historic setback in the fight for our fundamental rights across the country. As a social worker, I saw firsthand the devastating effects that a dangerous, traumatizing, or unplanned pregnancy has on a woman and her family. This decision paves the way for even more extreme anti-abortion legislation than the 15-week ban signed into law by Governor Ducey last month. The Supreme Court may have turned its back on women, but I never will.”

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman offered:

Senator Kyrsten Sinema posted:

Senator Mark Kelly relayed:

Coconino Party Chairperson Ann Heitland wrote:

“First, they came for abortion. We know that if abortion falls, the fascist movement will move on to restrict other rights and liberties that modern American society takes for granted like gay marriage, contraception, nondiscrimination in employment, and free speech.”
Pima County Chairperson Bonnie Heidler composed:
“Overturning Roe v Wade will not only take our country backwards, but have a significant impact on women of color and those with limited resources.  Women who are white and have means will still be able to get an abortion, whether it is legal in their state or not.  This fight was never about pro-life.  The very people fighting to overturn Roe v Wade are the same people who refuse to support free childcare for working women, especially women of color.  Who refuse to support free health care for children.  Who refuse, in this state, to support public education for K-12.  So, when they say they are pro-life, we know they aren’t.  Power over women and their right to choose the best health care option for them is what this is about.”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego posted two messages on Twitter.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero posted:

Arizona Congressional District Two Representative Ann Kirkpatrick issued two postings on social media.

Arizona Congressional District Nine Representative Greg Stanton wrote:

“It’s a moment many of us feared would happen, but is still stunning when it becomes reality: The Supreme Court is set to overturn Roe v. Wade — reversing the Court’s recognition for nearly 50 years that having an abortion is a fundamental right.

In states across the country, the far-right is pushing to criminalize women who choose to have an abortion as well as doctors who provide them. Here in Arizona, Governor Ducey signed a cruel law that provides no exception for women who have been the victims of rape or incest. That’s shameful.

This is the first time in our nation’s history the Supreme Court will repeal a fundamental right, and Justice Alito’s draft opinion leaves the door open to repealing more fundamental rights. It takes aim at Substantive Due Process altogether — specifically jeopardizing the right to contraception, interracial marriage, and same-sex marriage.

Make no mistake: These rights are on the ballot this year. My opponents have made clear they support overturning Roe and the Supreme Court justices who are actively taking us back to the 1950s.

In Congress, I voted to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify in federal statute the right to an abortion. And I’ve called on the Senate to end the filibuster on this monumental bill and send it to the President’s desk.

I’ll never stop fighting to protect abortion rights and the rights of women to make their own health care decisions.

There’s a long road and a lot of work ahead of us. I’m ready.”

LD 26 State Representative Athena Salman issued a statement where she offered:

“The draft opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization obtained today signals the terrifying potential that the Supreme Court – stacked with activist judges hellbent on imposing their religious conservative extremism on our bodies – intend to overturn Roe v. Wade and allow state bans on abortion and birth control to go into effect. For the fifth year in a row, legislation I sponsored to repeal Arizona’s ban on abortion and birth control (HB2097) didn’t even receive a hearing. Instead, the radical right controlling the legislature passed another ban on abortion further jeopardizing the freedoms of every Arizonan.”

“As it stands, Roe is still the law of the land, and abortion should be safe, legal and affordable. Our freedom to decide if and when to start or grow a family is under attack, and while we can’t speculate on the final opinion, I condemn any attempt to undermine this fundamental right.”

Arizona Governor Candidate Aaron Lieberman conveyed:

“If we can no longer count on federal law to protect a person’s right to choose to have an abortion, then we must enshrine this right in the state constitution through a voter-led initiative. Especially since nearly 80% of Arizonans believe, as I do, that these are personal healthcare choices. With lives literally at stake, it has never been more important to elect Democrats up and down the ballot.”

Arizona Secretary of State Candidate Adrian Fontes wrote:

“According to a historic, leaked draft of a majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito, the Supreme Court has voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. This is abhorrent. Sixty percent of Americans say Roe v. Wade should be upheld.

“As the father of three daughters, I understand, as do most of my fellow Americans, that abortion is an agonizing healthcare decision between a woman and her doctor. End of story.

“This apparent ruling by the court goes to show that elections have consequences. An extremist Republican victory in November will spell disaster for our democracy.

“I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, this imminent decision by the court. It is an affront to generations of legal precedent, it is a slap in the face to women across this country, and it will mark the beginning of a very dark chapter in our country’s history.

“Tragically, tonight, one wonders if the court is dead and if it will now fall to the states to protect our country.”

Arizona Attorney General Candidate Kris Mayes posted:

Maricopa County Attorney Candidate Julie Gunnigle wrote:

Arizona Congressional District Six Candidate Kirsten Engel said in a statement:

“This attack on personal freedom is unprecedented and requires an historic response from the majority of Americans who believe in abortion rights. What we do next could very well shape the course of our country for generations to come. With one, united voice we must declare that abortion rights are human rights, and we won’t give them up without a fight. And above all, we must push Congress to pass federal legislation protecting abortion rights.”

Arizona Congressional District Six Candidate Daniel Hernandez relayed:

“The Supreme Court voting to strike down Roe v. Wade could not come at a more dangerous time, as the Republican Majority in Arizona recently signed into law a 15-week abortion ban. This horrific legislation does not have exclusions for rape or incest. Make no mistake, this decision will not prevent abortions from happening. It will only serve to stop safe abortions from happening. We must all redouble our efforts to fight back.” 

Arizona Congressional District One Candidate Jevin Hodge issued a statement, offering:

“Let me be frank: this decision will endanger the lives of people across the country, and specifically in Arizona, which is considered a high-risk state to ban abortion if Roe v. Wade is overturned. If that happens, then the distance Arizonans would have to travel to access safe reproductive healthcare would increase by 1,352.9%.

It’s simple and terrifying: this decision will cost people their lives.

If the Supreme Court decides to shamefully deprive people of their right to make decisions about their bodies, Congress must immediately codify the protections of Roe into law. I will always stand with Arizonans, and in Congress, I’ll fight back against attacks from politicians like David Schweikert, who have worked for years to chip away reproductive rights.

We need to come together and ensure that abortion remains accessible, legal, and safe. Which is why we need to fight to remove candidates like David Schweikert from office that seek to legislate control over people’s rights to healthcare.”

Arizona Congressional District One Candidate Adam Metzendorf posted:

“To every woman hurting or fearful tonight, I see you, I hear you, and I will do everything in my power to protect your right to choose.”

Arizona Congressional District Five Candidate Javier Ramos wrote:

“Congress must act swiftly in codifying ROE v WADE in order to protect women’s rights to privacy and in effect all American’s right to privacy and health care.” Congress can not and should not wait for any more incursions on a persons right to privacy.”

Phoenix Councilwoman Candidate Joan Greene stated:

“Overturning Roe is an orchestrated assault by the minority in power against the population majority that strongly support abortion.

Overturning Roe will strip away the reproductive freedom of women and their family’s right to privacy. It is an attack on our democracy, economy, and religious freedom. First Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees, that no one religion should be enshrined in law or dictate public policy on any issue — including abortion.

I will protect women’s right to their reproductive freedom.”

LD 12 State House Candidate Patty Contreras stated:

“Women’s Rights are Human Rights. 
It should be our fundamental right, as women, to make our own healthcare decisions. Over 78% of Arizonans agree that women should have the freedom to make their own reproductive choices and over 70% of Americans are pro-choice. Women must have the right to choose whether to have a child or not. Period. I totally agree with NARAL’s statement that “everyone should be able to decide if, when, how and with whom they start or grow a family.” 
The US Supreme Court is supposed to take precedent into account but lately it seems that they are legislating from the bench and letting their own moral high ground (religious background?) cloud their legal judgement. I have serious doubts about their ability to be impartial judges in this, and many other conservative laws that are being passed. If we don’t vote in progressive Democrats this year, both statewide and federally, many more rights may go by the wayside including our voting rights, the right to marry who we love, transgender rights, immigrant rights, and even limiting or censoring what we view and read.
Elections matter, Vote Blue in ’22!”
LD 18 State Senate Candidate Priya Sundareshan conveyed:

“Although the outcome in this leaked Dobbs opinion is expected given the makeup of this stacked Supreme Court, it will nevertheless be devastating if this ruling goes into effect, overturning Roe vs Wade and 50 years of settled expectations. People will suffer without access to necessary healthcare. I recently gave birth and it was my choice to do so – but soon people will be forced to give birth against their best interest. 

This likely decision underscores the need for federal action by the Senate to codify our right to reproductive healthcare, without letting the filibuster stand in the way, and to enact judicial reforms. But most importantly, it reminds us of the importance of state legislative races. Just last month Governor Ducey signed into law a ban on abortions after 15 weeks, too soon for a patient to receive any medical information on their pregnancy, and Arizona has a longstanding law on the books that would criminalize the act of providing abortions. We must flip our state legislature so that we can repeal these cruel and extreme laws that will take effect once Roe falls.”

LD 18 State House Candidate Nancy Gutierrez relayed:

“I am very disappointed and angry with this Supreme Court information. Abortion is healthcare. This will not mean an end to abortion, only and end to safe abortion. Roe v. Wade has been the law of the land since 1973 and it should continue to be the Federal law. This will allow over half the states in our nation to follow through with full abortion bans. Abortion is healthcare and is a human right. This is more about controlling people who are pregnant, not about life. I will work tirelessly to fight for a person’s right to have a safe abortion.”

LD 12 State House Candidate Paul Weich posted:

The forces of sanity and decency need to wake up before it is too late. They need to protest in front of the courts and work hard to elect political candidates that will not turn this country into a chauvinistic-fascist state.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT. 

 

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