My Statement on Roe v. Wade

We all want to be able to live a safe and healthy life and be free to define our own path. The decision to become a parent is one of the most important life decisions we make. With the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe, it falls to our state legislatures to protect people’s right to one of the most fundamental and personal freedoms.

Every day women face the deeply personal decision of whether to continue a pregnancy. And every pregnancy and circumstance is different.

In my family, my son and daughter-in-law struggled for years to have a child. So, they were thrilled when they finally got pregnant. But after the first four months, past the 15 week mark, doctors discovered that the fetus was developing without a properly formed skull. They said that while it could likely continue to live within the womb, it would not live past birth. After their own heartfelt consideration, they chose abortion. And thankfully, there was no state legislator like me or you looking over their shoulder to shame, judge, fine, or even jail them or their doctors in this heartbreaking situation. When they eventually did have a viable pregnancy, and their daughter was born, in gratitude, they named her Kaira, meaning “in God’s time.”

Because yes, thank goodness that they were able to have a safe, affordable abortion free from punishment or judgment. In our great country, everyone – men and women should have the right to make their own, most private healthcare decision free from the interference of politicians.

We cannot know the details of what any person is facing. Abortion is a deeply personal decision that should be respected. When we are free to make our own decisions about our bodies and our lives, no matter our race, place, or differences, we all thrive.

Representative Judy Schwiebert

Arizona House of Representatives, District 20