Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlights Arizona's abortion rights fight
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Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is calling attention to Democrats’ efforts to expand abortion rights in Arizona. Whitmer spoke at a campaign event for President Joe Biden on Wednesday at a downtown Phoenix coffee shop.
She said when Michigan had a measure on ballots in 2022 to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution it helped energize Democratic voters.
“We did something that was historic, we not only won all the statewide offices, but we flipped the House and the Senate for the first time in 40 years in the state of Michigan," Whitmer said.
Arizona voters are likely to decide on a similar abortion rights measure this year. It would allow abortions to the point of fetal viability, with additional exceptions when health risks are involved. Reproductive rights advocates say they have already gathered more than enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Whitmer spoke alongside Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, and democratic state Sen. Eva Burch. Burch last month spoke on the Senate floor about her decision to get an abortion to end a nonviable pregnancy. Whitmer, who has spoken publicly about her own experiences with sexual assault, praised Burch for sharing her story.
"I know that Sen. Burch does not enjoy talking about some of the hardest things in her life, but we have to tell our stories," Whitmer said. "When we do, we win."
