The Show on KJZZ

Listen live weekdays at 9 a.m.

Victim advocacy group reacts to Ducey's abortion bill

By Michele Aerin
Published: Thursday, April 14, 2022 - 5:21pm
Updated: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - 12:46pm
Audio icon Download mp3 (1.13 MB)

In March, Gov. Doug Ducey approved a ban on abortions after 15-weeks of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest. On Thursday, Florida followed suit. These anti-abortion bills come as the U.S. Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of a similar Mississippi law.

In 2020, close to 3,000 rapes were reported to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, but more than 60% of survivors don’t come forward. Jake Martin, president of Survivor Shield Foundation, a nonprofit advocacy group started by University of Arizona students, says moves such as this are making it even harder for women to come forward.

“These bills are just beyond detrimental to survivors of sexual assault who are impregnated by an assault,” Martin said. “And even those who aren't because it states a very clear position from the state government. That position is we are not here to help you if you have been assaulted.”

Survivor Shield Foundation is working to break the stigma around sexual assault. Their goal is to support survivors and promote awareness. Martin believes this legislation creates a double narrative of the state wanting survivors to come forward while also simultaneously taking away their rights.

April is national sexual assault awareness and prevention month.

Politics Abortion Health + Medicine