Biden campaign banks on abortion question in Arizona

As the political landscape heats up in Arizona, the Biden-Harris presidential campaign has strategically focused on the pivotal issue of abortion rights, drawing attention from residents like Davine Cortez. Despite her initial reluctance toward politics, Cortez’s support was ignited when campaign volunteers approached her doorstep in Phoenix, seeking signatures to safeguard abortion rights in the state.

The recent decision by the Arizona Supreme Court to uphold a restrictive 1864 abortion law, devoid of exceptions for rape or incest, has thrust the issue into the forefront of the 2024 presidential campaign. President Joe Biden, positioning himself as a staunch defender of reproductive rights, is capitalizing on the fallout from the 2022 US Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

Cortez, along with many others, views abortion rights as fundamental human rights, vehemently opposing any attempts to curtail them. Her sentiments reflect the growing concern among Arizona residents as similar restrictions sweep across nearly 20 other states since the 2022 court ruling.

Vice President Kamala Harris seized on the issue during a recent visit to the state, framing the reinstated law as a regression to the 1800s under a potential second term of former President Donald Trump. Democrats, recognizing the narrow margin of victory in Arizona during the 2020 election, are mobilizing efforts to protect reproductive rights, including a statewide petition aiming to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.

Senator Mark Kelly emphasized the significance of political leadership in shaping the lives of citizens, underscoring the urgency for voter registration and engagement. Volunteers like Liz Grumbach are optimistic that the campaign’s focus on reproductive rights will resonate with Arizonans, tapping into the state’s historical support for abortion rights.

Despite facing staunch opposition from anti-abortion factions within the Republican party, campaigners remain resolute in their efforts, buoyed by the overwhelming support for abortion rights. However, the issue remains divisive, with some Republicans hesitant to fully embrace the restrictive measures, fearing backlash from constituents.

As the debate intensifies, individuals like Lucy Meyer express disbelief at the prospect of regressing to outdated ideologies, emphasizing the importance of recognizing societal progress. With the November 5 referendum looming, the battle over abortion rights in Arizona is poised to shape the outcome of both local and national elections, underscoring the enduring significance of this contentious issue.