Alaska Matters: Attorney General Joins Lawsuit to Revoke Approval of Abortion Pill

Protecting Your Rights: Serving West Anchorage

March 10, 2023

AG Joins Lawsuit to Revoke Approval of Abortion Pill

This week, legislators wrote to Walgreens and urged that they provide the medication for Alaskans. Attorney General Treg Taylor is not upholding his oath of office when he tries to force companies into restricting access to medication for Constitutionally-protected health care services. Here’s the letter we wrote, which we’ve shared with other companies to encourage them to maintain access to medications.

The Alaska Constitution protects our right to privacy and gives Alaskans a greater right to privacy than the United States Constitution. Part of our right to privacy set forth in Article I, Section 22 of the Alaska Constitution includes privacy with respect to medical care: these decisions are personal, private decisions that must be left for individuals and families to decide. Attacking these rights goes against our American and Alaskan values of freedom, self-determination, and personal privacy.

Alaskans adopted the privacy amendment to the Alaska Constitution in 1972. And with approximately 70% of Alaska voters saying “no” to a constitutional convention on this year’s ballot, we are a pro-choice state. Joining an amicus brief that seeks to limit access to abortion medication in Alaska conflicts with the obligation of all public officials to support and defend the Alaska Constitution. It reflects a perspective that the state constitution means what they would like it to mean, but not what our supreme court has decided. The attorney general's action reflects a failure to respect the rule of law and a failure to support and defend the Alaska Constitution. Even if joining an amicus brief doesn’t cost much in a budget context, it costs a lot in the governor’s duty to represent all Alaskans.

As a life-long supporter of every woman’s right to make their own, private, health care decisions, I oppose efforts to limit access to reproductive health care. Now that the Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Constitution will no longer be interpreted as protecting the right to abortion. As a result, states will now be able to decide whether abortion is legal and under what circumstances. I will continue to oppose anti-choice legislation and support reproductive freedom in Alaska.

Watch this week's video update

Meeting with Alaskans

It was great to meet with UA students, from each campus located around the state, and learn about their priorities and concerns. Addressing deferred maintenance and lack of emergency preparedness were highlighted in our discussion.

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Veronica Page and Sarah Krug are homecare givers within the district who came to share their personal experiences as homecare givers and advocate for their work.

We had three constituents with the ConocoPhillips Action group meet with our office. Kelly, Tiffany, and Melanie advocated for issues such as public education and UA funding.

Constituent Survey

One of the most important parts of my work as your Senator is hearing from West Anchorage constituents on the issues.

Last week, we launched our electronic Constituent Survey! Please take a moment to share your thoughts and suggestions. I always appreciate your feedback!

The survey will remain open until Monday, March 13.

Save the Date: Mid-Session Constituent Meeting

Join Senator Claman, Representative McKay, and Representative Armstrong for a mid-session constituent meeting for Senate District H.

Facebook event

When: Saturday, March 25 from noon – 1:30 PM

Where: Anchorage Legislative Office, 1500 W. Benson Blvd.

Community Information

→ Update Your Voter Registration

The deadline to update your voter registration or register to vote for the upcoming Anchorage Municipal election is March 5. Ballots will be mailed to qualified, registered Anchorage voters on March 14. All ballot envelopes must be postmarked on or before Election Day, April 4, 2023.

To learn about what's on the ballot, including assembly races and bond propositions, visit the MOA Elections website.

Anchorage Assembly boundaries changed due to redistricting. Find your district here.

→ Application Open: Assembly Youth Member

The Assembly Youth Representative position is open! A non-voting seat on the Anchorage Assembly, the Youth Representative weighs in on the business of the city in a real-world leadership role.

Young people aged 16-19 are encouraged to apply online before March 28.

Questions about this opportunity? Contact Associate Ombudsman Heather MacAlpine at heather.macalpine2@anchorageak.gov.