Arizona Turns Back The Clock

On Women's Rights

The highest court in Arizona today upheld an 1864 law banning nearly all abortions, calling it “now enforceable,” but put it on hold so that lower courts could hear arguments about its constitutionality. This law was on the books since before Arizona had statehood, and does not allow for rape or incest. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said,

“The Court has risked the health and lives of Arizonans,” she said in a statement. “Today’s decision to reimpose a law from a time when Arizona wasn’t a state, the Civil War was raging, and women couldn’t even vote will go down in history as a stain on our state.”

In a statement following the ruling, Vice President Harris blamed Trump for this draconian ruling. Of course she’s right, since Trump put extremely conservative justices on the Supreme Court and ended Roe v. Wade (for now). The tone is set—not to mention the laws— for states to further restrict women’s freedoms. But most Americans, even some Republicans, believe it is a woman’s right to choose what she can do with her body.

This ruling further amplifies the abortion debate as we head into the election. This can be good for Democrats in this fall’s Presidential election and down-ballot races. It gives Democrats more amuniation to expose the horrors that the extreme right wants to put in place.

I am speechless on these abortion restrictions. It’s continues to shock me, as someone who grew up during successive decades that granted more and more rights to women. Although slow at times, it seemed like progress was being made during my lifetime. I remember when women could not have a credit card without the premission of a man. But we are going backwards and are under attack by a small minority of religious zealouts.

As is a common statement at pro-choice rallies: if you don’t like abortion, don’t have one.

I respect other people’s consciences if they don’t like abortion. But it is not about liking or not-liking; it is about freedom for women to choose how to live their lives.

As stressful as this ruling is, as are all the attacks on a woman’s right to choose an abortion, I am hopeful that it will effect the election and end this reign of Trump Terror.

Happy Tuesday, friends. I hope it’s a good one. See you tomorrow.