By Pablo Correa, Executive Director for Rural Arizona Action
OPINION: As the father of two young daughters growing up in Casa Grande, Arizona, I constantly think about the kind of future I want for them. A future where they have access to the healthcare they need, where their rights are protected, and where they are treated with dignity, no matter where they live.
As a father, advocate for rural Arizonans, and as a Veteran, I urge everyone to vote YES on Prop 139.
At Rural Arizona Action, our mission is to ensure that the voices of rural communities are heard in the decisions that shape their lives. Prop 139 is a critical step toward creating a healthcare system that includes everyone, especially those of us living in rural areas. For too long, rural Arizonans have faced significant challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare.The lack of accessible reproductive healthcare options, including abortion services, disproportionately affects rural residents, particularly those who are low-income or marginalized.
Many families are forced to travel long distances to see specialists or receive essential care that urban residents may take for granted. Whether it’s a specialist for a chronic condition or reproductive healthcare services, Arizonans in rural communities often have to drive hours, cross county lines, and face additional costs just to access the care they need. These barriers are not only inconvenient but often prevent people from seeking timely care at all.
Prop 139 is more than just a policy change, it’s a statement of our values. It says that we believe healthcare is a fundamental right and that no one should be denied access to necessary abortion care because of where they live or who they are. This amendment addresses the unique challenges rural Arizonans face and ensures that our healthcare system is inclusive, equitable, and compassionate.
As a father, I think about the future I want for my daughters, a future where they, and all young people in Arizona, have access to the care they need without unnecessary obstacles or political interference. A future where their rights over their own bodies are protected, and where they have control over their own personal medical decisions without dangerous delays or government interference. Supporting Prop 139 is a way to help create that future.
At Rural Arizona Action, we believe in advancing equity and justice in our communities. As an organization, our support isn’t only about access to healthcare, but it is about standing up to dignity, autonomy, and the wellbeing of community members regardless of their income, background, or location. By voting YES on Prop 139, we can make sure that rural Arizonans are part of the conversation, and that our unique healthcare needs are addressed in the policies that affect us.
Prop 139 gives us an opportunity to build a more inclusive healthcare system that serves everyone, no matter how far they are from a major city or clinic. It’s time for Arizona to show that we believe in the freedom to make our own decisions about pregnancy and abortion. We believe in fairness, justice, and the right to healthcare for all.
For the sake of our families, our communities, and our future, I urge you to vote YES on Prop 139. Let’s create a healthcare system that works for everyone.
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