Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his attorney general have no business placing our great state’s name in support of the radical assault on women’s reproductive rights led by the state of Texas. That is what they are doing by joining the lawsuit opposing the distribution of mifepristone, an abortion medication.
AG Treg Taylor misrepresents Alaskans by claiming that we are opposed to making a safe and effective abortion medication available to Alaska’s women. He claims the issue is “states’ rights,” but that is just a false flag to restrict the reproductive health options of Alaska’s women.
The fact is that Alaskans support women’s reproductive rights and oppose actions like AG Taylor’s to restrict access to health supports. November’s overwhelming 70% “no” vote to a constitutional convention confirms this.Pew Research did a state-by-state survey of attitudes on reproductive rights and found that 63% of Alaskans are pro-choice. Lake Research did a survey of Alaskans for Planned Parenthood Northwest and found that 59% of Alaskans opposed banning abortions while only 34% supported banning abortions.
The governor squeaked into office with just 50.3% of the vote. The only mandate he has is to help fix our economy and solve our many operating crises. Spending our money to join the Texas culture war is not what he was elected to do.
Stand down, Mr. Taylor.
— Elstun W. Lauesen
Anchorage
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