Recently, AZCentral published an article featuring Obstetric Gynecologist Dr. Eric Hazelrigg, who serves as an intervener in the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision to revive enforcement of a near-total abortion ban.
The article notes that Dr. Eric Hazelrigg, identified in court documents as the intervenor and “guardian ad litem for all Arizona unborn infants,” initiated the review of the case by the state high court. He filed an appeal following the December 30 decision by an Arizona appellate panel, which prevented doctors in the state from being prosecuted for performing abortions at 15 weeks or less gestation. If the Arizona Supreme Court ultimately supports Hazelrigg’s position, it could result in all abortions being deemed illegal in Arizona except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk.
The article’s author, Stephanie Innes, portrays the information with neutrality, while highlighting Dr. Hazelrigg and the pro-life stance he advocates for, as seen in the following ways.
The Assumption of Blame
Innes singles out Dr. Hazelrigg for recent abortion-related rulings and bans in Arizona, implying that these new regulations originated almost entirely from him. While Hazlerigg indeed assumed a leading role in recent court proceedings, Innes ignores the fact that voters, both nationwide and in Arizona, support these abortion bans since the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Pro-abortion advocates parade a narrative that most citizens support abortion. But this stance disregards the sizable pro-life population both nationwide and in Arizona, instead demonstrating a clear personal bias. For example, younger generations, both liberal and conservative, are statistically more likely to vote pro-life, having grown up with advanced ultrasound technology and regularly witnessing the manifest humanity of preborn children. Biologists also overwhelmingly agree that preborn children are human and humans deserve the right to life.
Attacking Pregnancy Resource Centers
Innes also mentions Choices Pregnancy Centers, of which Dr. Hazelrigg is the Medical Director. She writes that crisis pregnancy centers, like Choices, mislead people. She wrote, “The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists say that crisis pregnancy centers are misleading because they seek to ‘dissuade, deter, or prevent’ people from seeking certain reproductive health care options, including abortion.”
This assertion fails to provide any specific research or proof regarding Choices clinics in particular. Additionally, while the cited website is an authoritative medical source, it also apparently offers a compilation of opinions and unbacked claims rather than substantiated facts.
It’s also worth noting that while the College of OBGYNs is free to express their opinions, the reality is that the majority of actual practicing OBGYN physicians refuse to perform abortions. As one physician summarized, “That statistic alone should dispel the false assertion that abortion is a necessary part of women’s health care” (an opinion stated on the OBGYN website referenced above).
After all, physicians take an oath to preserve life, not harm it, when they become medical doctors. Medical procedures are routinely conducted on preborn babies, and most doctors understand the difference between actual healthcare and the act of terminating a life.
Innes further states, regarding pregnancy clinics, that “staff members at these unregulated and often nonmedical facilities have no legal obligation to provide pregnant people with accurate information.”
But this insinuation contradicts her later acknowledgment that Dr. Hazelrigg is a legitimate physician certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. As Innes put it, “Records with the American Board of Medical Specialties show he’s (Hazelrigg) certified in his specialty by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His last certification was in 2022, and he’s actively maintaining his certification.”
The truth is that Choices Pregnancy Center and similar centers are staffed by qualified medical professionals who provide compassionate care and support to pregnant women.
Attacking Dr. Hazelrigg’s Christian Beliefs
The article concludes by suggesting a connection between Dr. Hazelrigg’s Christian beliefs and his pro-life stance, insinuating that his faith biases his medical practice.
Dr. Hazlerigg’s Christian faith does influence his belief in the right to life and the sanctity of all life. It’s what drove him to become a physician. He sees healthcare as an expression of God’s kindness toward all human beings.
We Must Be Doing Something Right
When we do the right thing and stand for truth, we will offend people and make waves in the broader culture. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” As we protect human life and empower women to fight against lies, we can be encouraged by the fact that those who strategize against their well-being are put on the defensive.
Join Choices and Dr. Hazelrigg in the battle for human life. Speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Please contact us at Choices or visit our website for more information.
