Vice President Kamala Harris blamed Republican candidate Donald Trump for Arizona’s recent loss of abortion rights, following a court decision that upheld a century-old ban on the procedure.
The conservative Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling has had a significant impact statewide, potentially affecting the upcoming presidential election and control of the Senate.
Addressing a diverse audience in Tucson, including patients and providers of reproductive health services, Harris highlighted Trump’s responsibility in the decision.
She warned that under a potential second term for Trump, there could be even stricter restrictions, framing the issue as crucial for the future of women’s rights.
Trump, currently running for president against Joe Biden, distanced himself from the Arizona ruling, arguing that it went too far. However, he had previously supported measures allowing states to limit abortion rights.
Kamala Harris emphasizes Trump’s responsibility for Arizona’s abortion rights (Via Hannah James/Getty Images)
Given Arizona’s narrow victory margin for Biden in 2020, Democrats view opposition to restrictions on reproductive rights as a strategy to win votes in the state.
President Biden has tasked Harris with leading the administration’s response to the 2022 Supreme Court decision on abortion rights, aiming to mobilize core liberal voters.
Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego, who is running for a Senate seat in Arizona, criticized his Republican opponent Kari Lake for her past support of the abortion ban.
Gallego joined Harris in discussing the issue, stressing the importance of preventing setbacks on women’s rights.
The Biden campaign has aired ads in Arizona featuring personal stories affected by abortion restrictions, emphasizing Trump’s influence on the issue.
Despite Biden’s pledges to protect abortion rights, Democrats faced obstacles in passing such legislation during their narrow majority in Congress from 2021 to 2023.
