By Corinne Murdock |

Pro-life activists have launched a new campaign to oppose a constitutional amendment that would legalize abortion up to birth in Arizona.

The campaign, “It Goes Too Far” (IGTF), aims to prevent the Arizona Abortion Access Act from qualifying for the ballot this November. In a press release, IGTF campaign manager Leisa Brug said that the amendment would jeopardize the safety of girls and women. 

“Arizona abortion laws should protect girls and women, not put them at greater risk, but this amendment asks voters to expand abortion while cutting safety precautions,” said Brug. “What happened to the prized doctor-patient relationship? This takes the required qualified medical doctor out of the doctor-patient relationship and leaves women in the hands of unqualified providers. That is not making the health and safety of women a priority.”

IGTF argues that the abortion amendment would strip the state of any lawmaking authority concerning abortion, including safeguards and parental notice for minors, and would allow abortions up until birth. For the latter claim, IGTF cites the amendment language allowing post-viability exceptions for abortions in cases where a health care professional determines the pregnancy jeopardizes the mother’s mental health.

The activists further claim that the amendment language allowing any “health care professional” to conduct abortions would endanger women by expanding lawful abortionists to include non-physicians and non-doctors. Additionally, IGTF argues that sex abusers would be protected under the amendment’s prohibition against any state laws or regulations penalizing those who aid or assist the mothers obtaining abortions.

IGTF also argues that individuals would be required to finance and even assist in abortions due to language enshrining abortion as a “fundamental right.” The activists say that a lack of taxpayer funding for abortions or a health care professional’s conscience against providing an abortion could be construed as “interference” with obtaining an abortion.

Arizona law classifies a “health care professional” as any person licensed or certified across various chapters and titles of Arizona law, including podiatrists, chiropractors, dentists, naturopaths, nurses, optometrists, pharmacists, physical therapists, psychologists, veterinarians, acupuncturists, athletic trainers, midwives, and more.

IGTF spokeswoman Olivia Escobedo told AZ Free News that their supporters are showing up wherever Arizona Abortion Access Act signature gatherers are situated in order to educate voters on the issue.

“Our supporters are there to let people know how dangerous this amendment is,” said Escobedo. “It has so many hidden agendas in the broad language.” 

As part of that effort, IGTF established a database to report where the pro-abortion signature-gatherers set up camp. 

Also involved in IGTF campaign are Laureen (Laurie) Mount, co-owner of MDS Communications, and Youssef Khalaf, CEO of both 100 Squared Financial and Data Orbital. The IGTF campaign has both nonprofit and political action committee arms.

Mount and her husband, Jay, are among the top donors for the campaign, along with Dave Lambert.

Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.