SAFFORD — While most of the community was getting ready for the upcoming Safford Spring Festival, or meeting with Gov. Katie Hobbs, women concerned with the erosion of civil rights were on the sidewalk of U.S. Highway 70, conducting a peaceful rally.
The Women’s Rights Rally took place Thursday, near Firth Park.
Tabris Williams said the issue isn’t just abortion, but access to health care.
“It’s going to negatively impact people that are having miscarriages, and kill these women who need this medical help,” Williams said, “and nurses and doctors are getting scared out of being able to do their job correctly.”
In addition to raising awareness on the issue, Patty Cervantez, chair of the Graham County Democratic Party, was collecting signatures of registered voters to place an abortion access initiative on the November ballot.
“It has been great out here today. Even with the wind, people have come out,” Cervantez said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
Supporters are seeking to get the Arizona for Abortion Access initiative on the November ballot. If it makes the ballot and is approved by voters, it would amend the Arizona Constitution to give women the fundamental right to abortion access until fetal viability, or about the 24th week of pregnancy. After that point, it would be up to medical professionals if an abortion is needed to protect the life and/or physical or mental health of the woman.
To be on the ballot, backers must submit a minimum of 383,923 qualified signatures. Earlier this month, supporters said they have collected 500,000 signatures, and are working toward 800,000 in order to fend off any possible challenges that could prevent the initiative from being on the ballot.
