ACESDV’s Statement on Abortion and Reproductive Freedom

As part of our guiding principles, ACESDV supports access to health care, including abortion, and supports reproductive freedom as a fundamental right for all people. We also understand that any restrictions on abortion will significantly impact survivors and will disproportionately affect Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other survivors of color – increasing racial disparities and injustice. ACESDV emphatically supports a survivor’s right to exercise bodily autonomy, including their right to choose.

Sexual and reproductive coercion are common features of intimate partner violence, with the removal of a partner’s bodily autonomy and reproductive choice utilized as tools of violence. Forcible pregnancy is an effective tool to keep a partner dependent and trapped within the relationship. When survivors are able to practice their right to abortion, they gain the ability to make decisions that benefit their life and offers more opportunity to seek safety.

The 15 week abortion ban signed by Governor Ducey, does not include exceptions for victims of rape or incest. Arizona will require a victim of rape to bear those children, removing their right to bodily autonomy, as did the person who harmed them. When survivors are able to practice their right to abortion, they gain the ability to heal and begin their new life.

How to help:

Call your state representatives and senators and post on social media stating why abortion access is important for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Donate to support access for safe and legal abortions as individuals from Arizona may need to travel to California or New Mexico to receive services.

VOTE for elected officials who will protect survivor’s rights. Your voice matters!