Arizonans, health professionals and politicians react to Roe v. Wade abortion ruling

Arizonans responded quickly and powerfully to Friday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Americans no longer have a constitutional right to abortion, for now placing the decision on what a woman's reproductive rights might be on the state where she lives.

Here is a sampling of reactions.

Community

Kalyn Haviland, 23, Phoenix: “The initial shock is upsetting. I’m on birth control, thank god, and I have great health insurance from my parents. But for women who don’t have access to affordable health care or can’t have contraception, because their bodies just can’t handle it, it’s scary for sure.”

Gail Lalumiere, 70, Sun City: "This is an appalling decision. Turning back (the) decision the courts made federal law when I was young, and I personally accompanied friend to a clinic years ago. People will die without access for medical reasons. This is not religion's or government's business. My first intro to contraception was at Planned Parenthood. Where does this end? I fear next will be laws on actual contraception." 

Alyssa Kihoi, Vice-Chair, Arizona Federation of College Republicans: “Today is the start of a new era in our country, a post-Roe era. As a Catholic, this day will have meaning to me forever. As we move forward as a country, I look forward to continuing to advance our pro-life principles and supporting candidates who will establish pro-life laws. This is just the start of our fight for life.”

Clay Robinson, chairman of the Arizona Federation of College Republicans at Arizona State University: "This is something we've been working towards for decades ... since I came to university, this is probably the biggest day in its history. And while that's the case in law, a lot of us are celebrating. It also means it's just getting started for us. All this case does is return the decision of abortion to the regulation of state and federal. As College Republicans, we will continue to expand resources for women to claim pregnancies, expand things like child tax credit and policies."

Roe v. Wade: What is the law for abortions in Arizona now?

Preethi Chandra, 42, Chandler: “I had an abortion myself. The baby had a birth defect and we didn’t know what to do. We were young. It’s not like I was against kids or anything; I had one already. But at that point, it was the right decision and I had the opportunity to do it. I think everyone has the right to do what they want to. I don’t understand why it should be a legal thing. … I come from India, a very conservative country, and even in India we have these options.”

Annette Landi, 63, Pima County: "I had a legal abortion in 1977. I was raped and just starting college. I was grateful to have the right to terminate the evil spawn of my rapist. He beat me and raped me. I am blown away that the supreme justices, who LIED during confirmation, could turn our country and women rights into THIS. There is nothing stopping them from stopping Gay Marriage, voting rights for women, equality in schools, it goes on and on. I am very upset. ... I will go out with a sign. I will do everything I can do put different people (in office)."

Stephanie Mackenzie, protester outside Planned Parenthood in Tempe: “It's obviously something to be happy about, to be celebrated. Anybody who's pro-life definitely wanted to see (Roe v. Wade) overturned. Roe was never a law of the land. It was just a Supreme Court decision, and as a Christian I believe that we should not listen to court decisions, but we should actually follow the laws of the land.”

Judy Drayer 57, Mesa: "I woke up. I saw the news, had a birthday planned, put that aside. We went straight to the store, bought everything needed (to make the signs). Made them in the car (and) prepared ourselves. I’ve never protested before. The shock and how personal this is as a woman to have my rights stripped away from me with no say, this is all I could think of to do and immediately."  

Anisa Gracanin, 54, Phoenix: "A woman’s health is important, and if her health is in danger, she should make the decision of what she should do. Nobody else in this world should tell her otherwise, no Supreme Court or anybody else."Toni Denis, president of Arizona Federation of Democratic Women: "We believe that women are their own best advocates when it comes to standing up for their rights. At a time when so many men in power are clueless about the daily struggles of women to balance work and family life — particularly since there’s no paid maternity leave, subsidized child care or accommodations for tending to sick children in most workplaces — we have to speak out to educate and advocate for our gender. We are seeing a Supreme Court turn back the clock 50 years for women, and we expect much worse — possibly even the elimination of access to birth control."

Olivia Levine, 23, Phoenix: “The Democratic Party and the Biden administration have both had time to protect the right to abortion. I encourage everyone to put pressure on them, especially (Sen.) Sinema, to take quick and aggressive action to protect abortion rights in the long term.” 

Erika Jahneke, 48, Phoenix: "I'm a disabled woman in the West Valley who kind of always knew I wouldn't have the same choices that other women got. I tried to accept it, not graciously, but I tried. ... This still hurts as if I were 20 with the world as my oyster and not 48 and waiting out unused ovulations. Upset that voting is offered as a magic solution. ... In this state, for leftists, it's not."

Kory Begley, 19, Gilbert: "Even as someone who isn’t affected by this decision, it is saddening to see the removal of a constitutional right, especially now. This takes away the right to a form of health care for people with less monetary privilege. They can’t travel out of state and take time away from work. This is the limitation of a safe procedure, preying on women’s rights to choose. This is not a federal issue, this is not a state issue; this is decided by that person, whether with their health care provider, their family, or themselves."

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals quarterback: "No one should be able to force their beliefs on anyone’s body, that is not right. Sending love to our women."

Gabriella Garcia, 21, Surprise: "The Supreme Court is setting precedent so that come tomorrow, they go after LGBTQ rights and even contraception. We have a court that believes that the American ideal is to take away rights instead of securing them. ... Women are still viewed as less than in 2022."

Justin Kiggins, 38, Phoenix: "My wife and I grew up here. Went to ASU. Careers took us to CA & WA but we moved back to be closer to family and the desert we love. Now I'm questioning whether this was the right decision for our kids. I have little faith that AZ will protect their right to bodily autonomy."

Health care professionals

Dr. DeShawn Taylor, Phoenix-based Desert Star Family Planning founder and obstetrician/gynecologist: "The laws are confusing and contradictory. They have criminal penalties attached to them, so the safest thing for a provider like me to do is pause (abortion) services right now until all of this becomes more clear."

Eloisa Lopez, executive director of Pro-Choice Arizona: “I’ve had three abortions, abortions that allowed me to become the loving parent I am today. I would choose another abortion without hesitation if I was pregnant and didn’t want to be. So the court’s ruling may say abortion isn’t a right, but I can tell you that’s not true. Abortion is a human right. We knew the court would fail us. The system is designed to fail the people, but we aren’t giving up. Arizonans will keep building power and fighting together to protect our rights. Our abortion fund is going to keep doing everything we can to support people seeking abortion care, especially people who’ve been told too often that their rights aren’t as important, like people from rural communities, Black, brown, Indigenous, and poor people. We’re going to keep showing up every day because our callers deserve a chance to get the abortions they need, without shame, without fear and without politics.”

Dr. Ricardo Correa, Phoenix endocrinologist, president of Maricopa County Medical Society and volunteer medical director of a clinic for underserved people called PACH, Phoenix Allies for Community Health: "Prior to Roe v. Wade, maternal mortality was higher, and with today's Supreme Court decision, it's likely maternal mortality will go up again and disproportionately affect low income people. ... Something I hear is now there will be a lot less abortions but that is not true. ... When it becomes illegal, then you are going to continue but not in a secure or best practices way."

Christine Accurso, practice manager at Morningstar OB/GYN in Gilbert: “I know so many people are going to be upset — there’s already rallies starting down at the Capitol. A lot of people feel like a right has been taken away from them. But really, women have never had the right to abort their children. Even by natural law and instinctively, we’ve never really had that right. Roe v. Wade may have given it some ability, but obviously that was wrongly decided, and I believe that was wrongly decided 49 years ago. And so today, as we see in the decision that the Constitution is neutral on abortion, no one has a right to kill their child.”

Dr. Jill Gibson, medical director for Planned Parenthood Arizona: "Today is a devastating day for all our patients in Arizona."

Dr. Jennifer Hartmark-Hill, president of the Arizona Medical Association: “Given the Supreme Court’s ruling on Roe v. Wade, the Arizona Medical Association (ArMA) is deeply concerned about the health of patients not only in Arizona but nationwide. In the wake of this decision, many patients will be unable to receive the care they need, and their well-being will be impacted ... ArMA’s policy and stance is that the Supreme Court’s ruling jeopardizes the right of patients and physicians to discuss, explore, and utilize the best available methods of care that aid and preserve patient health.”

Arizona Alliance of Community Health Centers: "The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization will lead to further restrictions on the reproductive health of Arizonans’ and will disproportionately affect individuals who already have limited access to care. The Court’s ruling will impede the ability of patients to make their own health decisions, risking both their physical and mental health. These changes will exacerbate existing societal disparities, increase social isolation, and increase threats to housing, food security, and employment for Arizona’s families – furthering the likelihood of perpetual poverty."

Politicians

U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz.: "A woman’s health care choices should be between her, her family, and her doctor. Today's decision overturning Roe v. Wade endangers the health and well-being of women in Arizona and across America. Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve always supported women’s access to health care, and I’ll continue working with anyone to protect women’s ability to make decisions about their futures."

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz.: "Today’s decision is a giant step backward for our country. Women deserve the right to make their own decisions about abortion. It is just wrong that the next generation of women will have fewer freedoms than my grandmother did. In Arizona, there are already restrictive bans on the books that will take rights away from Arizona women, without exceptions even in the case of rape or incest. I know that this decision and these laws are leaving many Arizonans frustrated and scared. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. I am resolved to defend and protect the right of Arizona women to make their own health care decisions."

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz.: "Today's decision is a major victory for the pro-life movement and all unborn children. Nearly 50 years ago, judicial activists, ruling from the bench, federalized abortion. This historic decision will save the lives of millions of unborn children. I have always been committed to fighting for the sanctity of life. Life is the most precious thing we are given and everyone, especially the unborn, deserve this right. I will continue to fight for the life of the unborn."

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz.: "The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe will have immediate and devastating effects for Arizona women’s health and safety—and their fundamental right to determine their futures. This is a dark, dark day for our country, and the Supreme Court. For 50 years the Court had recognized the constitutional right to an abortion — and in the pursuit of an extreme, ideological agenda it has rolled out the red carpet for states to criminalize women and their doctors."

U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.: "Today’s repudiation by the highest court of the land is a long overdue correction of an injustice that has led to over 62 million American babies slaughtered, more than the total deaths caused by World War II."

U.S. Rep. Tom O'Halleran, D-Ariz.: "Today, I am furious, disappointed, crestfallen. This decision goes back on half a century of legal precedent; it is a mammoth setback for women, families, and our entire nation. My 16-year-old granddaughter will now have fewer rights than my wife had in the 1970s. I firmly support a woman’s right to choose and believe that health care decisions should lie solely between a woman and her doctor. Now, that right and that privacy can be taken away. From the time the draft decision was leaked, the Senate had over a month to take up and pass our Women’s Health Protection Act, which would have codified the federal protections guaranteed under Roe v. Wade into law. They failed to do so.”

Moore: With Roe v. Wade overturned, Republicans must choose evolution or irrelevance

U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz.: “The U.S. Supreme Court made the right decision on Dobbs. The abortion debate will finally be returned to the people through their elected representatives. The Court made it clear that there is no Constitutional right to an abortion and agreed with Constitutional scholars on both sides of the debate that Roe v. Wade was originally decided on shaky legal grounds. Now, more than ever, it is time for us to unite to support vulnerable women and their unborn babies, and it is time for Republicans and Democrats alike to reject violence and intimidation.”

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.: "The Court's conservative majority does not reflect the majority opinion of Americans on this issue and is a reminder that who we choose to lead our country directly affects our everyday lives. That is why we must be resilient and press forward to pass legislation codifying the right to an abortion. If that means eliminating the filibuster, then it must be eliminated. 

"Make no mistake, this decision strikes against the heart of our American values and will cost American lives. But I for one will not allow my anger to blind us to what we must do to protect women across our country, and I remain committed to fighting for solutions that will make today's unsound ruling null and void."

U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz.: "The Supreme Court is no longer a legitimate body; it has become another partisan branch — putting political party platforms before the American people and legal precedent. This week's SCOTUS rulings highlight this fact: the courts' conservatives have dismantled the separation of church and state ... We don't have the freedom to sit on the sidelines in disbelief. Our rights have been stolen and they will continue to be attacked if we don’t mobilize. We must have a voice in every room, every election, and every conversation where decisions are made. And we must reevaluate the future of the Supreme Court — our nation’s future depends on it.”

Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward: “As a physician, I know firsthand that abortion is not health care. Someone always dies during an abortion procedure. I took an oath to do no harm and abortion is harmful in so many ways. And as a former legislator, I’ve always known that abortion is not in the Constitution and there was never a right to kill a baby. Praise the Lord — it’s over!” 

Kari Lake, Trump-endorsed Republican candidate for governor: “Today is a historic day for life, and humanity, throughout this country. Laws on the right to life will now be decided at the state level, and as the next governor of Arizona, I will sign bills to protect life when they land on my desk. I want to give a special thank you to President Trump who appointed three Supreme Court Justices, all of whom bravely voted to strike down Roe vs. Wade today and give the Pro-life movement, the unborn, and all of our great country the gift of protecting life that so many have worked so long to achieve.”

Karrin Taylor Robson, Republican candidate for governor: "After nearly 50 years and tens of millions of innocent lives lost, the Supreme Court has finally reversed the Roe decision that led to so much pain and anguish across our country. This is the day we have been waiting for. ... States now will have authority to restrict abortion in accordance with the will of the people and, as Governor, I look forward to Arizona continuing its tradition as one of the strongest pro-Life states in the nation. ... I am also aware that we have a lot of work to do outside the courtroom and legislative arena. Our mission will not be complete until we have fostered a culture in which every innocent life is valued as precious. As a culture and as a society, we need to care for and support each woman as much as her unborn baby."

Matt Salmon, Republican candidate for governor: "Today is a historic moment for the millions of Americans who believe in the sanctity of life. After decades of tireless advocacy, the U.S. Supreme Court has stood up in defense of the Constitution and acknowledged the important role of the states in protecting our world's most vulnerable. Countless babies' lives will be saved as a result of this ruling, and, as governor, I will do everything in my power to advance pro-life policies and advance a culture that respects the sanctity of life. These courageous justices deserve credit for doing what is right amid unfair threats and political pressure — and I am forever grateful to the pro-life movement for all of the work they've done to make this beautiful day possible." 

Scott Neely, Republican candidate for governor: "Roe v. Wade is overturned and now life will have a right — praise Jesus."

Katie Hobbs, Democratic candidate for governor: "Knowing that this day was coming doesn’t dull the pain. Without Roe’s protection for the right to choose, governors are now the final line of defense to protect access to safe and legal abortion. It’s never been more urgent to go vote for pro-choice champions at the state level."

Marco Lopez, Democratic candidate for governor: “Extremist Republicans like my opponent Kari Lake now have the green light to BAN safe, legal abortions all across the country. We can’t let that happen, and it’s now more clear than ever that governors are the last line of defense in our fight for reproductive freedom. For these reasons and more, it is critical that we have a pro-choice Democrat leading Arizona, but not just any pro-choice Democrat; We need someone with the backbone to stand up and fight for our rights, who won’t run and hide from tough challenges, and who has the experience, temperament, and leadership to bring people together and actually enact the change we need. As governor of Arizona, I’ll defend our fundamental freedoms and do everything in my power to ensure everyone in our state has access to safe, legal, and affordable reproductive health care.” 

Blake Masters, Trump-endorsed Republican U.S. Senate candidate: "This is a huge victory for children across this country. For decades, we allowed a terrible Court ruling to justify an abortion regime. That ends today … but the pro life fight has to continue in the states. Mark Kelly — and nearly every other Democrat in the Senate — voted to legalize abortion up until the moment of birth. That’s disturbing, and these radical progressives must be held accountable. That’s exactly what we’re going to do in November." 

Jim Lamon, Republican U.S. Senate candidate: "Roe v. Wade was clearly unconstitutional from the beginning. I am thankful that we have a SCOTUS who recognizes that, the importance of our states' rights, and the sanctity of life!"

Justin Olsen, Republican U.S. Senate candidate: "For years, those of us in the pro-life movement have prayed to see the end of Roe in our lifetime. Today our prayers were answered! The Supreme Court's decision is a triumph of good over evil. Countless lives will be saved!"

Mark Brnovich, Republican U.S. Senate candidate: "I look forward to seeing this issue returned to elected representatives where it belongs. As Americans, we believe in the dignity & value of every person."

Mick McGuire, Republican U.S. Senate candidate: "With the Supreme Court finally admitting that no constitutional right to abortion exists and that our elected representatives and people may regulate it, we must now fight to end this abhorrent practice at the state level."

Kris Mayes, Democratic Arizona attorney general candidate: "It’s a dark day in American history. We refuse to go backwards & I will fight like hell to ensure women have control over our own bodies. When elected Attorney General my 12-point plan for protecting & retaining reproductive rights — incl. the right to an abortion — starts DAY 1."

Abraham Hamadeh, Trump-endorsed Republican Arizona attorney general candidate: "After 49 years Roe v. Wade is overturned. This is exactly what I mean when I say we have to challenge our assumptions and go on offense. This is a momentous day for LIFE and the vulnerable. Power BACK to the people!"

Dawn Grove, Republican Arizona attorney general candidate: "This is a monumental decision and a massive step forward in the fight to protect life for all! This is a historic day that everyone in the pro-life movement should be enormously proud of!! #ProLife"

Rodney Glassman, Republican Arizona attorney general candidate: "Every life is precious and today - life wins. Over 60 million lives have been lost since Roe was heard in 1973, I applaud the Supreme Court for returning the issue to the states."

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Joint statement from Arizona Senate Republicans Karen Fann, Rick Gray, Vince Leach, Sonny Borrelli and David Gowan: "This is a monumental day for our nation and for babies. Here we are, finally celebrating the end of an era where the life of a child in the womb could be taken up to the moment of birth, for any reason deemed ‘right’ by the mother. Finally, justice is served for all those babies that never had the chance to live. The states will now decide how to protect mothers and their unborn children. We are praising the good Lord today and thanking SCOTUS for their courage in the face of incredible and physical and political threat. Arizona State Senate Republicans will continue to fight for the sanctity of life, the rule of law, morals, family values and against radical Democrats who aim to change society in some very dark and disturbing ways.” 

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego: "I am deeply disappointed by today’s Supreme Court decision. Phoenix is a pro-choice city. A majority of the city council and I have no interest in using city resources to prevent women from accessing health care."

Phoenix Councilmember Yassamin Ansari: "Council is discussing the impacts of an overturned Roe v. Wade decision in Tuesday’s e-session — and Phoenix will respond. Let’s make one thing clear: while AZ deciphers various laws at play, abortions ARE STILL LEGAL here today."

Tempe Mayor Corey Woods: "I am outraged by the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe, which has been settled law for nearly five decades. This reckless and dangerous action is an affront to reproductive rights, privacy and the ability of women to have access to safe, legal abortions. We must continue to fight."

Arizona Corporation Commissioner Anna Tovar: "This decision by the Supreme Court will have devastating consequences on the health and economic independence of women throughout our nation. It will disproportionately harm women of color & low income residents. No one should have to flee their state to access safe healthcare!"

Republic reporters Stacey Barchenger and Ronald J. Hansen contributed to this article.