Paula on the Issues - Women's Issues
Choice
The right to choose is fundamental to every woman's personal freedom. It is frightening that 33 years after the Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade, today's women face more obstacles in exercising their right to choose than their mothers did a generation ago.
- Rogue pharmacists refuse to fill women's prescriptions for birth control
- Ultra-conservatives attempt to fund Christian "abortion" clinics that offer religious answers to pregnant women
- Anti-choice measures are attempted regularly and are vetoed regularly and thankfully by our Governor
Anti-choice forces have completed their takeover of Congress and the White House, and in Arizona's Legislature women's freedom to choose is challenged.
Arizona needs more pro-choice women in the Legislature who will stand up for the rights of all women.
Senator Paula Aboud has never hesitated to speak out and stand up for a woman's right to make her own private reproductive health care decisions.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is the number one crime in Arizona. Every 5 minutes an Arizona law enforcement officer responds to a domestic violence call! Physical safety is a public responsibility and it is every crime victim's right. No one in fear for her life should be told, "there's nothing we can do."
Arizona is not doing its fair share to fully address the lack of shelter space for domestic violence victims. Thousands of women and children are turned away from this lifesaving service each year.
The current system leaves domestic violence crime victims at risk. We know that the most lethal time for a woman in an abusive relationship is when she attempts to leave. Shelters provide a secure hiding place and a base of operation to begin a new life. Yet, in Arizona, 2 out of every 3 women who seek shelter will be turned away at least once. For too many women there is simply nowhere to go to escape the violence in their lives.
These tragedies could be avoided. Arizona has the means to provide safety for victims. Many shelters have the physical capacity to add additional beds; they merely lack the operating dollars to do so.
As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Aboud has teamed with Republican Senator Jim Waring and successfully advocated for 100% of the 2007 budget requested by the Domestic Violence coalition of Arizona.