Arizona Abortion Advocates Raise Alarm as Trump Makes His Comeback

Hundreds of Arizonans gathered across from the state Capitol on Saturday to protest the inauguration of President Donald Trump, voicing their concerns over the potential rollback of rights and policies under his administration. Demonstrators, many adorned in pink and green knitted hats—a symbol of the abortion rights movement—expressed their commitment to activism.

Stacey Owens, 61, wielded a handmade sign featuring a woman in an American flag bikini, declaring, “This land is my land.” She emphasized the need to mobilize, particularly for future generations. “I’m marching for awareness, to get people off the couch,” she stated. “I know people are disillusioned, but we need to stand up and say, ‘Enough’s enough.’”

This Phoenix rally was part of a nationwide effort orchestrated by prominent reproductive rights groups such as the Women’s March and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Organizers urged attendees to combat damaging local policies, which include anti-abortion measures and civic engagement restrictions.

Marlee Valenzuela, president of Planned Parenthood Generation Action at Arizona State University, highlighted the importance of open dialogue. “We cannot let this new administration undo decades of activism that has expanded rights to autonomy, safety, and opportunity,” she remarked, reinforcing the call for sustained activism and community support.

Amid the crowd at Wesley Bolin Memorial Park, criticism of the incoming administration was prevalent. Laura Heidenreich, 67, waved a flag with Trump’s name crossed out and a reminder of the January 6th insurrection he has been accused of inciting. She proclaimed, “He should not have been allowed to be president; he should be in prison.”

Another protestor, Starla Clark, wrote “NO SIGN is BIG ENOUGH to list ALL the REASONS I’M HERE,” on a Postal Service envelope, reflecting her disappointment in Trump’s leadership. “I was raised with different values than everything he stands for,” she added.

The rally also focused on broader issues beyond Trump. Gina Guglielmo, advocating for LGBTQ rights and climate action, pointed out that harmful legislation isn’t solely Trump’s responsibility. “He symbolizes the agenda, but it’s not just about him,” she noted, emphasizing the risk posed by a unified Republican government.

Progressive leaders celebrated the recent passage of Proposition 139 in Arizona, signifying widespread opposition to reproductive health restrictions. Athena Salman, director of Arizona campaigns for Reproductive Freedom for All, pointed out that the measure gained over 60% of the vote, outperforming Trump and suggesting a clear public mandate for reproductive rights.

Despite Trump’s public disavowal of Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda that aims to limit reproductive freedoms, key figures behind this plan are expected to hold significant roles in his administration. Erika Mach from Planned Parenthood warned that support for anti-abortion policies could lead to electoral losses for lawmakers.

While uncertainty looms regarding the impact of electoral consequences, advocates remain hopeful. Carly Gadberry from Healthcare Rising AZ highlighted successful citizen initiatives in the past, indicating a readiness to mobilize voters to safeguard their rights through ballot measures.

Rally leader Raquel Terán, a former state senator, inspired the crowd with a rallying cry, recalling past victories in social advocacy. “We have been here before, we have muscle memory, we have heart memory, and we are ready for the next four years!” she declared, encouraging ongoing engagement in the fight for social justice.