At least one high-profile opponent of an abortion rights measure appearing on Arizona ballots has conceded it will likely pass.
If voters approve, Proposition 139 would supersede the current 15-week abortion ban that Republican lawmakers passed in 2022. The measure would add abortion access protections to the state Constitution, including legalizing abortion through fetal viability, or around 24 weeks. The proposition would also legalize abortions after that point if a medical provider deems it is necessary to protect the physical or mental health of the mother.
Charlie Kirk, a vocal anti-abortion advocate who founded conservative non-profit Turning Point U-S-A, recently visited college campuses in Nevada to encourage students to vote against an abortion access ballot measure in that state, according to Teen Vogue.
But, back in Arizona, Kirk seemed to acknowledge Prop. 139 has broad support while appearing as a surrogate for U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake after her debate against Congressman Ruben Gallego.
“So what Kari Lake said is that the states have the right to decide what they want,” Kirk said. “Every state is gonna look a little different. We have a proposition right now that's probably going to pass. If the people of Arizona want that, that's what's going to happen in November. That's Kari Lake’s position.”
Lake has continued to shift her position on abortion since entering the Senate race.
The former newscaster once called abortion the “ultimate sin” and also praised Arizona’s near total abortion ban that lawmakers eventually repealed earlier this year.
But during the debate with Gallego, Lake said she will support whatever decision Arizona voters make in November.
“It's going to be up to us,” Lake said. “I want us to have that choice, and whatever the law ends up being, whatever our choice ends up being, I will respect.”
Lake also said she would not support efforts to pass a federal abortion ban or to use federal funds to pay for abortions.
Lake said she voted against Prop. 139 when she cast an early ballot on Thursday.
“I like the law that we have on the books,” Lake said, referring to the 15-week ban.
She then repeated a false claim that the 15-week law – which passed the Arizona Legislature with only Republican votes and was signed into law by former Republican Gov. Doug Ducey – had bipartisan support.
