Gender & Sexuality Justice, Sexual & Reproductive Rights

Abortion Access is on the Ballot in Arizona!

September 20, 2024 | by Tala Harb, Karla Gonzales Garcia |USA

(Tala Harb/Amnesty International USA)

We have great news. Abortion access is on the ballot in Arizona! The initiative is officially called Proposition 139 or Prop 139.

This is a huge win for Arizona, where voters can decide whether to restore and protect the right to access abortion care, free from government interference.

Calling all Arizonans!

Help protect reproductive healthcare in your state! Volunteer with AIUSA!

In November, Arizonans must take the next step and vote yes on this important initiative. Voting yes restores the protections under Roe v. Wade and protects Arizonans from the extreme bans we have seen happening across states. 

The outpouring of support for bringing this ballot initiative to the people for a vote clearly shows that the human right to abortion is an important issue for Arizonans.

Here’s the rundown on this incredible, community-led win.

On July 3, the day before this country’s Independence Day, the Arizona for Abortion Access (AAA) Coalition submitted 823,685 signatures to the AZ Secretary of State. Of those, Arizona’s Secretary of State’s office certified 577,971, nearly 200k more than required to appear on the November ballot.

AIUSA is proud to join forces with the Arizona for Abortion Access Coalition to secure this human right. Here’s what we’ve been up to:

Trainings across the state

In the spring and summer, AIUSA has delivered trainings and participated in signature drives and canvassing opportunities in Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma. Everywhere we went in Arizona, we met voters eager to sign in support of the right to access abortion and supportive of enshrining this freedom in the Arizona state constitution.

(Thania Betancourt Alcazar, Tucson Young People's Training)
(Thania Betancourt Alcazar, Tucson Young People’s Training)

Tucson:

In partnership with Instituto in a new tab and Arizona Students’ Association, we hosted a training session focused on abortion.

The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to organize and communicate with young people about abortion.

Deja Foxx conducted a compelling interview with Karla Gonzales-Garcia, AIUSA’s Director of Gender, Sexuality & Identity, to highlight the importance of our collective efforts to pass the AAA.

Deja Foxx instagram
(Deja Foxx Instragram)
AIUSA, in collaboration with Instituto and the Arizona Student Association, hosted an abortion training session
(Lauren Murphy/Amnesty International USA)

Phoenix:

AIUSA, in collaboration with Instituto and the Arizona Student Association, hosted an abortion training session for around 20 youths. Our young participants delved into the historical context of reproductive freedom and explored the intersections of abortion with migrant and refugee rights, gun violence and racial justice.

Our members and youth leaders participated in signature collection drives organized by the coalition, hosted signature drive parties, and attended events representing AIUSA.
(Karla Gonzales-Garcia/Amnesty International USA)
(Karla Gonzales-Garcia/Amnesty International USA)
(Karla Gonzales-Garcia/Amnesty International USA)

Yuma:

AIUSA spent the weekend with Instituto, Rural Arizona Engagement, and the Arizona Students’ Association organizing to protect reproductive rights. We traveled to Yuma with members from Glendale Community College to a training, collect signatures, and discuss reproductive rights with the community.

(Karla Gonzales-Garcia/Amnesty International USA)
(Karla Gonzales-Garcia/Amnesty International USA)
(Karla Gonzales-Garcia/Amnesty International USA)
Amnesty International Mexico tabling event
Amnesty International Mexico

Amnesty International Mexico:

And we have support around the world!  Our Amnesty colleagues in Mexico City already organized a Postcard Party to urge Arizonans to vote Yes on Prop 139! This could be you, having fun and defending human rights!

Let’s secure a future where personal healthcare decisions are made by individuals, not politicians!
Whether you live in Arizona or another state, demand Congress protect abortion across the country!