Ariz. Democratic candidate for governor: We should let minors get abortions without parental consent

David Garcia, the top contender for the Democratic nomination in Arizona’s race for governor, believes minors should have the right to get an abortion without parental consent.

He made the comment during a July campaign event called Women with David Garcia — Southern Arizona.

What was he asked?

On an audio recording of the program, a female speaker asks Garcia, "Do you think that someone who is a minor — I have two little sisters who are like 13 and 14 — do you think that a minor should be allowed to have an abortion without parental consent?"

Garcia responded by claiming the question was tough, but good. He also asked those in attendance to put themselves in the shoes of a minor considering an abortion.

"That’s a good question. That’s a tough question," Garcia responded."Let’s put ourselves into that situation for a second. Let’s put ourselves into how tough that situation has to be."

"And, in that very difficult crossroads," he continued, "in that place where there are very few places to turn, I want them to have the ability to go to a professional, to go to a counselor to make that decision with their assistance. So, yes, I do."

The audio recording was posted on YouTube on Wednesday. It was also apparently edited and not presented in full. At one point it sounds as if it is cut and then skips to another section.

TheBlaze made multiple attempts to obtain a comment from Garcia’s campaign office but received no response.

What are the state's laws?

According to the Center for Arizona Policy, the state’s laws require parental consent for minors seeking abortions, but allows for judicial bypass.

Under the laws, parental permission must also be notarized. Minors can bypass parental consent by obtaining legal permission to procure an abortion from an Arizona superior court judge.

Garcia made his comment the day after he was endorsed by Arizona’s chapter of NARAL Pro-choice America, the Washington Free Beacon reported.

The group stated: "With reproductive rights more vulnerable today than they have been in decades, David Garcia is the leader that Arizona needs. ... He has proven himself to be a strong advocate for reproductive justice.”

He is also endorsed by the Arizona chapter of Planned Parenthood.

Garcia has pledged to veto any bill that infringes on abortion.

"As governor, I’ll defend access to health care and veto any bill that infringes on women’s reproductive rights," Garcia stated on Planned Parenthood’s website. "Women have fought too long and too hard to see their rights infringed upon and we need a strong governor in Arizona who will make sure we do not go backwards."

What else?

Garcia, a college professor, will face state Sen. Steve Farley and Tucson YWCA executive director Kelly Fryer in the Aug. 28 primary election. Incumbent Gov. Doug Ducey is running against Ben Bennett  in the GOP primary.