In the heart of Arizona's legislative chamber, a powerful call for healthcare freedom echoed through the halls during the State of the State Address on January 13, 2025. The governor, drawing from personal experiences as a mother and social worker, passionately advocated for the right of Arizonans to make their own medical decisions. "My commitment to protecting this freedom is ironclad," she declared, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare.

The governor highlighted alarming statistics, noting that Arizona's maternal death rate had quadrupled from 1999 to 2019, surpassing the national average for preventable maternal deaths. "It is unacceptable that any baby should lose their mom to a preventable condition," she stated, underscoring the urgency of the issue. In response, she proudly announced that her administration had successfully provided health insurance to an additional 19,000 children through the Kids Care program.

Looking ahead, the governor pledged to make 12-month postpartum coverage permanent and urged the legislature to expand access to family planning services. "It's a moral responsibility to ensure women and their families can access the care they need without government overreach," she asserted.

The governor also reflected on her efforts to protect women's rights, including the repeal of a stringent abortion ban and the successful push to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. She called for the elimination of an invasive abortion reporting law, advocating for legislation that guarantees the right to contraception and protects access to fertility treatments.

Sharing a poignant story, she introduced Nicole, a cancer survivor who faced the daunting prospect of motherhood after her diagnosis. Nicole's journey, marked by resilience and hope, exemplified the need for protections around fertility treatments. "There are thousands of Arizona women, couples, and families like Nicole who deserve to have their rights protected," the governor emphasized.

As the address concluded, the governor's message was clear: Arizonans have voiced their desire for healthcare freedom, and it is the legislature's responsibility to act on their mandate. The future of women's health and rights in Arizona hangs in the balance, with the governor urging lawmakers to take decisive action for the well-being of families across the state.