Abortion Rights Ignite Fierce Battle for Southern Arizona Congressional Seat

As the November election draws near in Arizona, abortion rights have emerged as a pivotal issue for Democrats. With numerous ballots already submitted, they argue that Republican candidates aim to impose a national ban on abortion, potentially restricting various medical procedures. Their focus is on passing Proposition 139, an amendment that would enshrine reproductive rights in the state Constitution.

If approved, Proposition 139 would eliminate Arizona’s Civil War-era abortion ban, transitioning the state’s legal landscape within weeks. In Southern Arizona, the Democratic narrative, fueled by the candidacy of Kirsten Engel, targets freshman Congressman Juan Ciscomani. Engel shared her personal struggles with reproductive health, stating, “I’ve had miscarriages late in pregnancy,” emphasizing that abortion is a significant issue in this election.

Stephanie Stahl-Hamilton, a Democratic state representative, labeled Ciscomani an “anti-choice extremist” for supporting a failed attempt to repeal the outdated 1864 law. She claimed his voting record reflects a pattern of supporting nationwide abortion restrictions that jeopardize veterans and service members. During a get-out-the-vote event in Tucson, Stahl-Hamilton encouraged voters to back Engel, stressing the importance of protecting reproductive freedom.

Dr. Victoria Fewell, a Tucson obstetrician-gynecologist, highlighted the challenges posed by Arizona’s current 15-week abortion limit. Women facing severe medical conditions or fetal anomalies must seek care out of state. She stressed that future changes in governance could significantly impact access to essential care. “If there were a national abortion ban,” Fewell warned, “we would lose the ability to provide life-saving procedures for our patients.”

Fewell previously attempted to safeguard abortion rights in 2022 after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. She insists that the medical community must be empowered to provide necessary care without political interference. Ciscomani’s record, according to Fewell, indicates support for an absolute abortion ban lacking exceptions for rape, incest, or the mother’s life.

Engel has consistently targeted Ciscomani, contrasting their approaches to reproductive health. “In Congress, I will protect our freedom to make our own reproductive health decisions,” she reaffirmed, pointing out Ciscomani’s alignment with anti-abortion groups like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

In recent campaign ads, Ciscomani attempted to moderate his stance, stating, “I trust women,” while maintaining that decisions should be made at the state level. Nevertheless, his voting record suggests a history of supporting restrictions on abortion and related health care services.

Recent polling reveals a tight race in Arizona’s newly redrawn Congressional District 6, where Engel lost to Ciscomani by a narrow margin in 2022. With abortion rights at the forefront, Engel has linked her opponent to the broader Republican agenda, arguing that the Supreme Court’s actions have detrimental effects on reproductive rights.

Proposition 139 stands as a critical choice for Arizona’s 4.1 million voters: either embed abortion rights in the state Constitution or uphold the existing 15-week ban. If passed, it would permit abortions until fetal viability and allow further procedures if the mother’s health is threatened.

The campaign has mobilized over 7,000 volunteers who collected a record-breaking nearly 824,000 signatures to get Proposition 139 on the ballot. Supporters claim broad backing among voters, while opponents, including right-wing groups, argue the amendment promotes unrestricted abortion access.

As voter sentiment shifts, this election offers Arizona an opportunity to redefine its stance on reproductive rights, a topic fraught with emotion and implications for public health. In competitive races, Democratic candidates are leveraging this issue in their campaigns, aiming to rally support and impact the upcoming election outcomes.