An Arizona lawmaker announced on the state Senate floor Monday that she plans to have an abortion after learning there was no chance of pregnancy.
State Sen. Eva Birch, a registered nurse and known reproductive rights activist, made the announcement surrounded by her fellow Democratic senators, The Arizona Republic reported.
Birch said she found out she was pregnant a few weeks ago “unexpectedly.”
The West Mesa native and living mother of two, who is running for re-election, said she has been on a “tough journey” regarding her fertility.
She said she suffered her first miscarriage 13 years ago and was pregnant multiple times, but terminated a non-viable pregnancy two years ago while campaigning for a Senate seat.
Now, Birch said, her current pregnancy has not progressed and is not viable, so she has made an appointment to have an abortion.
“I don’t think people need to justify abortion,” Birch said.
“But I chose to talk about why I made this decision so that we can have meaningful conversations about the reality of how the work we do in this physical body impacts people in the real world. Because I want to.”
Burch said state law “interfered” with her decision.
Arizona law requires an “invasive” transvaginal ultrasound that was not ordered by a doctor, and then she was read “untrue” information required by law about alternatives, she said. Told.
“I’m a perfect example of why this relationship should be between patient and provider,” Birch said.
“My experience in this field, both as a health care provider and as a patient, has led me to believe that this Legislature has failed the people of Arizona.”
Burch called on Congress to pass legislation that will ensure all Arizonans have the opportunity to make the decisions that are right for them.
She also said she hopes voters will have the opportunity to consider abortion on the November ballot.
A petition is underway in Arizona to add a constitutional right to abortion.
Under the bill, states would not be able to ban abortions until the fetus is viable, about 28 weeks after birth, after which abortions would be allowed to protect the woman’s physical or mental health.
Supporters need to collect approximately 384,000 valid signatures by July 4th.
Current law prohibits abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
