An estimated 400 people rallied in front of the Arizona State Capitol on Saturday to protest potential threats to reproductive healthcare under the incoming Trump administration. The People's Rally, hosted by Planned Parenthood Arizona and local organizations, was held two days before the presidential inauguration.
Various organizations and volunteers, including the ACLU of Arizona and Reproductive Freedom for All Arizona, set up booths before the event began at 10 a.m. Among them was Marlee Valenzuela, a junior studying political science and president of Planned Parenthood Generation Action at Arizona State University.
Valenzuela said it was important for PPGEN at ASU to be at the rally because it showed their commitment to the movement before Trump took office.
"Being women, it shows that we feel like we're under threat, and even though we feel that, we feel those nerves, we're here, " Valenzuela said. "We're wearing our bright pink outfits, at our bright pink table, and just being present. We're not going anywhere.
Valenzuela said those at the rally should prevent the new administration's efforts to undo previous progressive efforts.
Valenzuela said when people argue against contraceptive health, it can create negative perceptions toward sex.
"These ideologies of like, 'Sex is bad, expressing your sexuality is bad,'" Valenzuela said. "They’re very harmful to people. They make people feel shameful."
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Despite concerns about what the future holds for reproductive rights nationally, advocates were optimistic about what the passage of Proposition 139 signaled for Arizona.
Prop 139, which amended the state's constitution to protect the fundamental right to abortion, passed with nearly 62% of the vote in Arizona last November.
However, Erika Mach, chief external affairs officer for PPAZ said there is still work to be done.
"Although Arizona passed Proposition 139, we still have over 40 restrictions on the books that don’t allow full access to abortion care, including for our rural communities," Mach said. "We know they’re going to try to impact our funding and other forms of providing care that we have, and so we’re here today to tell them that we’re watching and we’re not backing down from this fight."
Among the crowd were many mothers with their young children by their side, feeling the fight was more personal.
"How am I going to have more rights when I grew up than her?" said Magali Sanchez, a mother of two about her children's future.
Sanchez said she strives to teach her children how to stay aware of current issues even if they don't affect them directly, referring to her parent's immigrant background. She also said she fights to ensure rights are "set in stone," so they can not be taken away.
"It’s important to show my kids that we can make a change," Sanchez said. "If I show them right now, then I can instill that in them."
Also echoing the message of fighting for her children was Arizona Senator Lauren Kuby, representing Arizona’s 8th Legislative District.
Kuby attended the rally to advocate for reproductive rights and also to speak on behalf of Voter Choice Arizona, an organization in support of ranked-choice voting. Kuby said it's crucial for communities and organizations to come together during these critical times.
"We need to embrace the change that young people are bringing into our political process," Kuby said.
She also said there is a need to pass a freedom of contraception act to guarantee access to contraceptives. She spoke highly of Governor Katie Hobbs, who is often regarded as a supporter for reproductive rights.
"It’s going to be a tough four years, but we’re resolutely determined and we're going to fight back," Kuby said.
Edited by George Headley, Sophia Ramirez and Natalia Jarrett.
Reach the reporter at vcruzbut@asu.edu and follow @valeriacbutron on X.
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