In an effort to advocate for reproductive freedoms, Vice President Kamala Harris will be making a trip to Tucson, Arizona on Friday, as announced by the White House on Tuesday. This visit comes shortly after the state Supreme Court upheld a near-total abortion ban, causing widespread concern and triggering a renewed push for abortion rights across the country.

The White House advisory stated that Harris will be traveling to Arizona for the second time this year and the fifth time since taking office. Her visit aims to further her leadership in the ongoing battle to safeguard reproductive rights. Highlighting the impact of proposed and enacted abortion bans, which endanger women's health, force them to seek care out of state, and subject doctors to criminal charges, Harris visited Phoenix, Arizona last month.

The upcoming trip to Arizona is part of the Vice President's nationwide "Fight for Reproductive Freedoms" tour, which includes stops in various states such as Wisconsin, California, Georgia, Michigan, and Minnesota. Since the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Harris has held over 80 events in 20 states to raise awareness and rally support for reproductive rights.

The announcement of Harris' visit coincided with a significant development in Arizona's abortion legislation. The state Supreme Court ruled in favor of enforcing a near-total abortion ban dating back to 1864. Under this law, any individual involved in performing the procedure or assisting a woman in accessing abortion care could face felony charges, potentially resulting in two to five years of imprisonment. It is important to note that the law includes an exception that allows for the procedure if it is necessary to save the woman's life.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Democratic Party as a whole are looking to leverage existing abortion bans and growing threats to expand them in their favor for the upcoming general elections this November.

As Harris prepares to stand alongside advocates for reproductive rights in Arizona, the fight for preserving and expanding access to abortion services continues to highlight the deep divisions within the nation. The Vice President's visit underscores her determination to prioritize women's health and choices as she amplifies the nationwide call for reproductive freedoms.