In reaction to a statement from the leadership of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), today the Arizona Democratic Party issued the following statement reiterating our commitment to defending women’s right to make their own reproductive decisions:
Arizona Democrats,
Yesterday, the leadership at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) indicated they were open to supporting congressional candidates who oppose abortion rights as an electoral strategy. Their announcement was not only short-sighted, it is politically stupid.
The Arizona Democratic Party believes that protecting women’s reproductive rights, including access to abortion and contraceptive coverage, is non-negotiable.
We are a big-tent party. We don’t believe in excluding people because they call themselves pro-life. We believe abortion should remain safe, legal and rare. However, Party leaders should not yield on women’s reproductive rights to those who oppose or seek to overturn all abortion rights as a strategy to win elections.
Supporting reproductive rights is part and parcel of expanding opportunity for women and their families. A woman’s right to make her own choices about her own body and health options are fundamental to her freedom, economic security, health and well-being.
Arizonans have a long, bipartisan history of supporting women’s reproductive rights. Peggy Goldwater, the wife of U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater (Mr. Conservative), was a founding member of Planned Parenthood of Arizona, and they both remained active, supportive and committed to their mission, which included protecting access to abortion and contraceptive care for all Arizonans.
At a time when millions of Americans are looking for alternatives to President Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress, Democratic Party leaders cannot abandon our values or blur the line on policy priorities and/or how we would govern differently. This position is not a “Better Deal” for many of us.
The Arizona Democratic Party stands with Planned Parenthood, NARAL, Emily’s List and the many other progressive organizations that unapologetically support women, access to abortion and contraceptive care, and the right to choose what is best for themselves and their family.
In solidarity,
Alexis Tameron – State Chair of the Arizona Democratic Party