Republican Lawmaker Criticizes Women Who Seek Abortions as ‘Hating the Country’ in Resurfaced Audio
Recently unearthed audio from a 2022 interview reveals Arizona Republican Congressman David Schweikert making scathing remarks about women who seek abortions, claiming that they act out of selfishness and even harbor animosity towards America. The recording, now drawing significant attention, features Schweikert lambasting those who opt for abortion, asserting that they are “all about self” and, in his words, “hate the country.”
In the recording, Schweikert’s comments were sparked by a segment of the interview where the host aired a clip from a U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing. In the video, a woman described her abortion as “an act of self-love,” calling it the best decision she’d ever made. Schweikert’s reaction was strong and pointed. “It’s harsh, and it’s mean, but it’s true,” Schweikert said, adding that American society and the Democratic Party, in particular, had “become sick.”
Schweikert’s remarks align with ongoing conservative criticism of reproductive rights, although his characterization of women who seek abortions as “hating” their country has ignited controversy. His broad statements about abortion echo his 2022 comments, where he asserted that single and childless women tend to vote based on “what’s trendy” rather than on substantial issues—a statement that, at the time, was met with backlash for being dismissive of women’s political agency.
Reproductive rights organizations, like the Guttmacher Institute, report that nearly one in four women in the United States will have an abortion at some point in their lifetime. Despite the deeply personal nature of the choice, Schweikert’s comments suggest that he views it solely as a reflection of moral and national disloyalty, a stance that some critics argue is overly simplistic and lacks empathy for the complex reasons that lead women to make such decisions.
Reached for comment, the show’s host, Seth Leibsohn, responded on Schweikert’s behalf. He defended the congressman’s remarks, claiming that Schweikert was not referring to all women who get abortions, but rather “a number of these folks” who he believes display selfish attitudes. Still, the ambiguous nature of Schweikert’s wording has left many wondering who he specifically intended to target with his remarks.
Critics of Schweikert argue that his comments do not just diminish the personal experiences of women but also serve as a divisive political tactic. Observers note that Schweikert’s district, which was among the three closest races in the 2022 midterms, is highly competitive. President Joe Biden narrowly won the district with 50.1% of the vote over Donald Trump’s 48.6%. In 2022, Schweikert retained his seat by a margin of only 0.8%, indicating a vulnerable position for the congressman as the 2024 elections approach.
Schweikert is not the only Republican politician to face scrutiny for comments perceived as judgmental or condescending toward women. Earlier this year, footage resurfaced of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance criticizing “childless cat ladies,” suggesting they lack a “real stake” in America’s future. Like Schweikert, Vance faced backlash and later claimed his comments were taken out of context, stating he was being “sarcastic.”
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For reproductive rights advocates and many women’s groups, Schweikert’s comments reinforce a narrative of judgment and dismissal from parts of the GOP. “It’s alarming to hear women reduced to caricatures for making personal medical decisions,” said one advocacy group’s spokesperson, who added that these types of comments are “alienating and harmful.”
Schweikert’s statements, paired with his track record, add to an already controversial political profile. In 2020, he narrowly avoided censure by the House Ethics Committee after an investigation into campaign finance violations, raising questions among his constituents about his credibility on issues of personal and political integrity. The resurfacing of his comments on abortion could further alienate voters in his swing district, especially as Democrats eye the seat as a potential 2024 pickup.
As his remarks continue to circulate, Schweikert faces mounting pressure to clarify his stance or temper his language. With abortion emerging as a key issue in upcoming elections, Schweikert’s rhetoric is likely to play a significant role in how he is perceived by constituents in his district—a district that may well determine his future in Congress.
