Posted Oct 26, 2014, 1:28 pm
In Southern Arizona, we place a high value on personal freedom. We believe that everyone in our community has the right to live the life they want without the government, politicians or their employer interfering in their personal decisions.
Three weeks ago, ballots were mailed to registered voters throughout our state and people are voting at this very moment. From the promise of Social Security and Medicare benefits, to the quality of our children's education, so much is at stake in this election. There are profound differences between my opponent and me on many important issues.
As a father and a grandfather, these issues are personal for me and I am ready to continue the fight to protect our rights.
My opponent doesn't share our values. When it comes to personal freedoms, I trust Southern Arizonans to make the decisions that are best for them and their families. My opponent does not.
I believe that every woman has the right to make her own personal health care decisions without the government or her employer interfering. Those decisions are between a woman and her doctor. I support a woman's right to choose. It's the law of the land, and we must uphold that right.
I have fought to ensure funding for health care centers, like Planned Parenthood, that provide essential medical services to women. And I disagree with the Hobby Lobby decision that says it's ok for an employer to impose their religious views on the women they employ.
My opponent stands with the extremists that are working to prevent a woman from being able to make health care choices for her and her family. She told the Center for Arizona Policy in a survey that she opposes a woman's right to choose, even in instances of rape, incest, or when the health of the mother is at serious risk. And she opposes federal funding for Planned Parenthood and other women's health organizations that so many Southern Arizona families count on.
On equality, again, my opponent and I stand on opposite sides of the issue. I support marriage equality. I believe that if two people love each other and want to commit to each other, the way my wife Nancy and I have for 47 years, that they should be able to do that. That's now the law in Arizona and we must keep it that way.
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But my opponent says marriage should only be between a man and a woman, and she supports a constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage.
In Southern Arizona, we stand by our values. That's why I am fighting to preserve a woman's right to make her most personal health care decisions and to ensure that all Southern Arizonans have the right to marry the one they love.
Ron Barber is the U.S. representative from Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District.
3 comments on this story
The Supreme Court ruled on Roe vs. Wade before I was even born. Why in the world are political candidates still harping on this as a relevant issue? Regardless of who wins this race, there’s nothing either of them can do to affect this issue. I would much prefer political candidates focus on issues that are relevant for our time, and that they can actually effect the outcome of.
As to marriage “equality”, are we sure that McSally opposes it? She doesn’t exactly strike me as heterosexual. And, I’ve never seen or heard her oppose gay marriage. (This is where someone posts a link, I’m sure). And, once again, nothing either of them can do about this. The courts ruled, our AG says he’s not appealing, it is a done deal.
In any event it is none of McSally’s business if a woman wants to get an abortion
Fact check: In answering a 2012 candidate survey from the right-wing Center for Arizona Policy, McSally checked “yes” on a question asking if she opposed abortion except in cases where it was “necessary to prevent the death of the mother.”
In 2013, McSally indicated that she supports three exceptions to a ban on abortions: cases of rape, incest and to protect the life of the mother.
This year, McSally has said that she also supports an exemption to protect the health of the mother.