Arizona Right to Contraception Act: Proposed bill would codify birth control access
AZ Gov. Hobbs pushing for contraception bill
The bill, according to Gov. Hobbs, would enshrine access to contraception into state law. The bill, which is slated to be introduced in the next legislative session, was announced on the eve of the one-year anniversary of Roe v. Wade's overturning. FOX 10's Lauren Clark reports.
PHOENIX - Gov. Katie Hobbs is pushing for a bill that would codify the right to contraception into Arizona law.
"Arizonans have made their voices loud and clear: they will not accept any more attacks to access on basic reproductive health care," said Gov. Hobbs. "Legislators should know that any attempt to take away reproductive rights will quickly meet with my veto pen."
The Arizona Right to Contraception Act would ensure Arizonans have access to birth control "as the Supreme Court and legislators across the country threaten basic reproductive freedoms," according a statement from the governor's office.
Officials say they intend to file the bill in the next legislative session. The governor announced more details about the legislation Thursday afternoon, on t he eve of the one-year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade by members of the U.S. Supreme Court.
"Attacks on reproductive freedoms and basic health care will not be tolerated any longer," said Hobbs.
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Hobbs was joined by Democratic state Rep. Athena Salman, who plans to introduce the Arizona Right to Contraception Act next January.
"Birth control is a human right, enjoyed by most American families, and has broad public support," said State Rep. Salman. She represents the state's 8th Legislative District, which covers a portion of the East Valley, including Tempe, as well as the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Salman says contraception is especially critical for historically marginalized groups, including people of color or who identify as LGBTQ+. A Democratic bill, however, faces long odds of passing in the state's Republican-controlled Legislature.
Cathi Herrod, President of conservative non-profit Center for Arizona Policy, also spoke out on the proposed bill.
"The main intent I see of today’s press conference is to restrict health care workers who have a conscientious objection, a moral or religious belief regarding contraception," said Herrod.
Herrod said she will be closely looking at the language of the bill, once the bill becomes available.
"Our main objective will be to protect the rights of conscience of health care workers who have moral or religious objections to either contraception, or the use of contraceptive pills for early abortions," said Herrod.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.