Senate candidate Kari Lake has been lobbying Arizona state lawmakers to repeal the state’s 1864 Civil War-era abortion ban following a recent ruling by the state Supreme Court upholding the ban. Lake, a Republican, has previously voiced support for the ban but is now seeking to distance herself from it in light of the court’s decision. Democratic Senate candidate Ruben Gallego has pointed out Lake’s earlier comments supporting the ban.
The GOP-controlled Legislature in Arizona is considering its next steps in response to the court ruling, with the House convening to discuss the issue. Lake’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on her efforts to lobby lawmakers. Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs has called for the repeal of the ban but stated that calling a special session would not be productive at this time due to lack of support among legislators. Republicans hold slim majorities in both chambers of the Arizona Legislature.
Lake, who lost to Hobbs in the 2022 gubernatorial election, recently posted a video outlining her position on abortion. She criticized the state Supreme Court’s decision on the abortion ban, stating that it is out of line with the views of the people of Arizona. She emphasized that while she personally chose life, she believes that every woman should have the freedom to make their own choice regarding pregnancy. Lake has previously praised the 1864 statute but is now advocating for its repeal.
Former President Donald Trump recently stated that abortion should be left to the states to decide, a position that Lake, a strong Trump ally, has agreed with. Lake has indicated that if elected senator, she will oppose a federal ban on abortion to ensure that women have more choices when facing pregnancy. The state Supreme Court’s ruling on the abortion ban has prompted a wave of reactions from politicians on both sides of the aisle in Arizona.
Governor Hobbs and other Democrats have urged the Legislature to act quickly to repeal the state’s near-total abortion ban, but Republicans have not yet taken definitive action in response to the court’s decision. The Republican chamber leaders have stated that they will evaluate the ruling during the waiting period before it goes into effect. Despite discussions between Hobbs and Republican lawmakers, it remains uncertain whether there is enough support to repeal the ban in the current legislative session.
As the debate over abortion continues to unfold in Arizona, the actions of Senate candidate Kari Lake and other politicians will play a crucial role in determining the future of abortion policy in the state. With the 1864 ban now being enforced following the state Supreme Court’s decision, the pressure is on state legislators to take action on this contentious issue. The conflicting views on abortion within the Republican Party and between the two major parties in Arizona highlight the complexity of this issue and the challenges in finding a resolution that satisfies all stakeholders.
