Arizona legislation announced to protect birth control access

Arizona state officials announce 'Arizona Right to Contraception Act'

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the decision that put an end to Roe v. Wade, Governor Hobbs and Representative Athena Salman (both D-Arizona) announced the 'Arizona Right to Contraception Act' that will push for birth control access for all Arizonans.

Arizona Governor Hobbs announced the legislation on Thursday at a press conference.

Hobbs said Arizonans will not accept any more attacks on access to basic reproductive health care.

"If you care about freedom, if you care about the future of our state, you must join me, Representative Salman and Arizonans from across the political spectrum who believe in protecting reproductive health care," Hobbs said.

Governor Hobbs stood alongside state officials who advocate for women's rights.

"We believe that contraception is essential to a person's privacy, health, well-being, dignity, liberty, equality, and ability to participate in social and economic life," Salman said.

The 'Arizona Right to Contraception Act' is aimed to secure access to birth control for all Arizonans.

Officials say they intend to file the bill at the beginning of next year so it can be presented in the next legislative session.

But the chances of it passing are up in the air, as the legislature is currently Republican controlled.

Brittany Fonteno, Arizona's Planned Parenthood President and CEO spoke on Thursday about how they are also continuing the fight for women's rights.

"We at Planned Parenthood Arizona have remained steadfast and our promise to patients as we continue to expand and provide access to sexual and reproductive healthcare," assured Fonteno.

Fonteno said in the past year, they met their promise by launching new services in clinic and via tele-health.

Branching out to Yuma is still in the works, though there is a plan to help residents in the area.

"We will be launching a mobile health unit later this year and with that comes the possibility of being able to reach communities where we don't have a brick and mortar health center right now," continued Fonteno.

Planned Parenthood's Medical Director Dr. Jill Gibson said she sees hopeful moments in our future, especially with the Patient Navigator Program.

"Helps get our patients who need to leave the state in order to get the care that they need. She helps with the networking at other health centers and other Planned Parenthoods," said Dr. Gibson.

The nearest Planned Parenthood is in El Centro, CA, but you can find more locations and their services here.