State of Michigan Archives: on Abortion
Gretchen Whitmer:
Abortion clinics deemed "essential" during pandemic shutdown
A lawsuit has been filed against Whitmer for keeping abortion clinics open as "essential" businesses during the coronavirus pandemic while sending 15 officers to shut down the speech of pro-life protesters. "While most businesses were forced to
shut down as a result, the governor has refused to order abortion centers in Michigan to close even though abortion is an elective procedure," the legal team explained.
Source: WorldNetDaily on 2022 Michigan Governor race
Apr 5, 2020
Bill Schuette:
Enforce prohibitions on abortion; de-fund Planned Parenthood
Q: Abortion: Ban or legal? Support Michigan's 1931 pre-Roe law that criminalizes abortion?Bill Schuette (R): Ban, except for incest, rape, & life of the mother. Enforce state prohibitions.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Legal. End 24-hour waiting period &
pre-Roe ban.
Q: Contraception: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally? Stance on related family planning funding?
Schuette: Yes. Led lawsuit opposing employer mandate to provide contraceptive
coverage. Views as attack on religious liberty--and about abortion-inducing drugs, not birth control.
Whitmer: No. Require insurance companies to cover contraceptives. Restore low-income family planning funds.
Q: Allow Planned Parenthood public
funds for non-abortion health care?
Schuette: No. Joined lawsuit to prohibit Planned Parenthood from receiving funding.
Whitmer): Yes. Restore funding so can provide screenings and checkups, contraception, and maternity care.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Debbie Stabenow:
Countless women rely on Planned Parenthood
Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?John James (R): Ban, with an exception for the life of the mother--but not for rape or incest.
Debbie Stabenow (D): Legal. Says has to be a woman's choice.
Q: Let employers withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?
John James (R): No public statement found.
Debbie Stabenow (D): No. Co-sponsored bill to protect healthcare benefits, including contraceptive coverage.
Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion healthcare?
John James (R): "Supports efforts to defund abortion providers like Planned Parenthood."
Debbie Stabenow (D): Defunding Planned Parenthood would keep countless women who rely on Medicaid from getting healthcare. They're often the only safety net alternative.
Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Gretchen Whitmer:
End 24-hour waiting period; fund Planned Parenthood
Q: Abortion: Ban or legal? Support Michigan's 1931 pre-Roe law that criminalizes abortion?Bill Schuette (R): Ban, except for incest, rape, & life of the mother. Enforce state prohibitions.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Legal. End 24-hour waiting period &
pre-Roe ban, protect in state law.
Q: Contraception: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally? Stance on related family planning funding?
Schuette: Yes. Views as attack on religious liberty.
Whitmer: No. "We've seen attack after attack" on reproductive healthcare. Require insurance companies to cover contraceptives. Restore low-income family planning funds.
Q: Allow Planned Parenthood public funds for non-abortion health care?
Schuette: No. Joined lawsuit to prohibit Planned Parenthood from receiving funding.
Whitmer): Yes. Restore funding so can provide screenings and checkups, contraception, and maternity care.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
John James:
De-fund Planned Parenthood; bad abortion even for rape
Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?John James (R): Ban, with an exception for the life of the mother--but not for rape or incest.
Debbie Stabenow (D): Legal. Says has to be a woman's choice.
Q: Let employers withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?
John James (R): No public statement found.
Debbie Stabenow (D): No. Co-sponsored bill to protect healthcare benefits, including contraceptive coverage.
Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion healthcare?
John James (R): "Supports efforts to defund abortion providers like Planned Parenthood."
Debbie Stabenow (D): Defunding Planned Parenthood would keep countless women who rely on Medicaid from getting healthcare. They're often the only safety net alternative.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Bill Schuette:
Supports the rights of the unborn
Bill is a strong defender for the rights of the unborn
and has been repeatedly supported by Michigan Right to Life.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
John James:
100% pro-life; always have been; always will be
I am 100% Pro-Life.
Always have been. Always will be.
Source: 2018 Michigan Senate campaign website JohnJamesForSenate.com
Mar 2, 2018
Abdul El-Sayed:
Support pro-choice, Planned Parenthood
I support a woman's right to choose and know firsthand the critical work performed by Planned Parenthood and others to provide women the care they need to control their bodies. But reproductive justice goes beyond healthcare.
That is why I will fight to ensure that women have access not only to reproductive health care, but to high quality jobs with good pay and accessible and affordable childcare.
Source: 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial website AbdulForMichigan.com
Nov 1, 2017
Gretchen Whitmer:
Support Planned Parenthood
Restore funding to Planned Parenthood so that women and men have access to preventative
care like screenings and checkups, contraception, and maternity care.
Source: 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial website GretchenWhitmer.com
Nov 1, 2017
Gretchen Whitmer:
Will stop anti-choice legislation
Whitmer said she would work to stop anti-choice legislation and "continue to protect the investments that we make in our local public health offices-education for young people, access to birth control."
Whitmer hopes Democrats take back the Michigan House but said, "if necessary, I have got the backbone of titanium to hold the line on further attacks eroding women's health care."
Source: Rewire News on 2018 Michigan Governor race
Nov 1, 2017
Bob Young:
Life begins at conception
Bob Young believes in the sanctity of human life. He believes that life begins at conception and is 100% pro-life.
Bob has been endorsed by Michigan Right to Life his entire judicial career.
Source: 2018 Michigan Senatorial website BobYoungForMichigan.com
Oct 1, 2017
Marcia Squier:
Fund Planned Parenthood; abortion is an unrestricted right
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?A: Support.
Q: What about federal funding for Planned Parenthood? And for abortion services in general?
A: I support funding for Planned Parenthood and funding for abortion services for poorer women in general. I would also advocate for more sex education and contraceptive availability.
Source: OnTheIssues interview on 2018 Michigan Senate race
Jul 20, 2017
Gretchen Whitmer:
Spoke of being raped in opposing "rape insurance" bill
Legislators were trying to ban private insurance companies from covering abortion care, forcing women to pre-purchase extra insurance. Reproductive-rights advocates called it a "rape insurance" bill. Whitmer lambasted the bill in an address that
included the story of her own rape. "It's something I've hidden for a long time," Whitmer continued. "You need to think of the girls that we're raising and what kind of a state we want to be where you would put your approval on something this extreme."
Source: Slate e-zine on 2018 Michigan Governor race
Jan 5, 2017
Gretchen Whitmer:
No insurance riders to get an abortion covered
Whitmer served in the House from 2001-2006, and in the Senate from 2006-2014, where she became a frequent voice of opposition to Republican policies.When she told her personal story of being raped more than 20 years ago during a 2013 speech on the
Senate floor to illustrate her opposition to a bill that would require people to buy an additional rider to their insurance to get an abortion covered, Whitmer got national attention and a stronger voice on issues surrounding women's health concerns.
Source: Lansing State Journal on 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Jan 3, 2017
Jack Bergman:
Only allow abortion when maternal life at risk
Q: Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Bergman: When the life of the mother is at risk based on her decision.
Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on Michigan House race
Nov 8, 2016
Jack Bergman:
Right to life includes the lives of those yet unborn
The first inalienable right described in the Declaration of Independence is the right to life, and the job of Congress is to protect our rights, not take them away. That includes the lives of those yet unborn. Rather than treating pregnancy or children
as a problem, we should work together to create a society that welcomes them into our communities. Every person is a unique child of God, full of potential. As a member of Congress, I will protect the unborn and move the pro-life message forward.
Source: 2016 Michigan House campaign website BergmanForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Dave Trott:
Sanctity of life from conception
Dave is pro-life and believes in the sanctity of life from conception to a natural death.
Dave believes the federal government should be prohibited from spending tax dollars to fund abortions, or from forcing private entities to provide abortion coverage.
Source: 2014 Michigan House campaign website, TrottForCongress.com
Nov 4, 2014
Mike Bishop:
100% Pro-life record
Mike Bishop has received multiple
Right to Life endorsements and has a 100% Pro-life record.
Source: 2014 Michigan House campaign website, ElectMikeBishop.com
Nov 4, 2014
Mike Bishop:
Pro-life with exception only for life of the mother
Q: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death?Bishop: Strongly Agree
Q: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances? If so, what circumstances?
Bishop: I am pro-life with the only exception being that of the life of the mother.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Michigan Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Rick Snyder:
Vetoed total abortion ban; signed abortion restrictions
Perhaps the most defining moment in Rick Snyder's tenure came when the Legislature voted for Right to Life's (RTL) initiative banning abortion coverage in standard health care plans, with no exceptions for rape, incest or the mother's life. Last year,
Snyder put his foot down and vetoed legislation doing just that. He's always said social issues aren't on his agenda, but he's tried to work with RTL.The governor did sign highly controversial legislation to restrict abortion that's likely to shut
down providers. But that wasn't good enough for RTL. They saw an opportunity with GOP majorities in the House and Senate. So they launched a petition drive for the abortion insurance ban, which, it should be noted, is an interesting interpretation
of free market principles. After collecting more than 300,000 signatures, the measure went before the Legislature and passed this month. It cuts the governor completely out of the process--his signature isn't required; this is now the law of the land.
Source: Michigan Live on 2014 Michigan gubernatorial race
Dec 31, 2013
Terri Lynn Land:
Supports GOP platform which bans abortion
Terri Lynn Land announced she will continue to serve as National Committeewoman for the National Republican Party while running for Senate. In this role, Land voted for, and will continue to promote, the GOP platform, which called for turning
Medicare into a voucher program and a ban on abortion that did not include exceptions for rape, incest or saving a woman's life. Land's extreme GOP platform also supported privatizing Social Security, banning same sex marriage, opposing any gun
legislation that would limit "the capacity of clips or magazine," banning women from combat, and a study to determine whether to return the US dollar to the gold standard.In August 2012, Bloomberg reported that the 2012 Republican platform "also
proposes a constitutional amendment to ban abortion without stipulating any exceptions for ending pregnancies caused by rape or to save a woman's life."
Source: DSCC press release on 2014 Michigan Senate debate
Jun 11, 2013
Randy Hekman:
Life begins at conception
In the lightning round, candidates agreed unanimously that the
Internal Revenue Service should be abolished, life should begin at conception, they would never vote to increase the debt of the federal government and that the idea of a flat tax would prove to be beneficial.
Source: CMU Central Michigan Life on 2012 Michigan Senate debate
Jan 14, 2012
Rick Snyder:
Signed partial-birth abortion ban into law
Legislation banning the procedure referred to as partial-birth abortion was signed into law. Michigan people have repeatedly spoken on this issue and this legislation reaffirms the value of human life. This brings Michigan in line with federal law.
SB 160 prohibits partial-birth abortion except when necessary to protect the life of the mother. HB 4110 makes performing a partial-birth abortion or assisting in the procedure a felony. A woman who undergoes the procedure would not face criminal charges
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #263970
Oct 12, 2011
Rick Snyder:
Make partial-birth abortion a criminal offense
Legislative Summary:The partial-birth abortion ban act: An individual who knowingly performs a partial-birth abortion and kills a human fetus is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to
2 years, or a fine up to $50,000.00, or both. It is not a violation if, in the physician's reasonable medical judgment, a partial-birth abortion is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life.
The spouse of the mother at the time of the partial-birth abortion, or either parent of the mother if the mother has not attained the age of 18, may file a civil action against the physician.Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 29-8-1, Sept. 21; passed House 75-34-0, Sept. 28; signed by Gov. Snyder, Oct. 11
Source: Michigan Legislative voting records on SB160
Oct 11, 2011
Rashida Tlaib:
Don't make partial-birth abortion a criminal offense
Legislative Summary:The partial-birth abortion ban act: An individual who knowingly performs a partial-birth abortion and kills a human fetus is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to
2 years, or a fine up to $50,000.00, or both. It is not a violation if, in the physician's reasonable medical judgment, a partial-birth abortion is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life.
The spouse of the mother at the time of the partial-birth abortion, or either parent of the mother if the mother has not attained the age of 18, may file a civil action against the physician.Legislative Outcome:
Rep. Tlaib voted NAY; passed Senate 29-8-1, Sept. 21; passed House 75-34-0, Sept. 28; signed by Gov. Snyder, Oct. 11
Source: Michigan Legislative voting records on SB160
Sep 28, 2011
Gretchen Whitmer:
Don't make partial-birth abortion a criminal offense
Legislative Summary:The partial-birth abortion ban act: An individual who knowingly performs a partial-birth abortion and kills a human fetus is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to
2 years, or a fine up to $50,000.00, or both. It is not a violation if, in the physician's reasonable medical judgment, a partial-birth abortion is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life.
The spouse of the mother at the time of the partial-birth abortion, or either parent of the mother if the mother has not attained the age of 18, may file a civil action against the physician.Legislative Outcome:
Sen. Whitmer voted NAY; passed Senate 29-8-1, Sept. 21; passed House 75-34-0, Sept. 28; signed by Gov. Snyder, Oct. 11
Source: Michigan Legislative voting records on SB160
Sep 21, 2011
John Moolenaar:
Make partial-birth abortion a criminal offense
Legislative Summary:The partial-birth abortion ban act: An individual who knowingly performs a partial-birth abortion and kills a human fetus is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to
2 years, or a fine up to $50,000.00, or both. It is not a violation if, in the physician's reasonable medical judgment, a partial-birth abortion is necessary to save the life of a mother whose life.
The spouse of the mother at the time of the partial-birth abortion, or either parent of the mother if the mother has not attained the age of 18, may file a civil action against the physician.Legislative Outcome:
Sen. Moolenaar voted YEA; passed Senate 29-8-1, Sept. 21; passed House 75-34-0, Sept. 28; signed by Gov. Snyder, Oct. 11
Source: Michigan Legislative voting records on SB160
Sep 21, 2011
Rick Snyder:
Firmly pro-life, which begins at conception
Q: You've said that you're pro-life?A: I am firmly pro-life. I understand that this is a very personal and passionate issue for many of us. At the same time, in today's society it has become a very divisive issue.
Good people can and have drawn different conclusions. I have a strong belief in the value of human life, which I believe begins at conception and includes human embryos.
Source: Campaign website, rickformichigan.com, "FAQ"
Nov 2, 2010
Rick Snyder:
Embryos are human life; but support stem cell initiative
Q: You've said that you're pro-life, but why did you support the stem cell initiative and how do you reconcile the two?A: I have a strong belief in the value of human life, which I believe begins at conception and includes human embryos.
I also believe that the sanctity of life should be upheld. As I struggled with my personal choice on this issue, I ultimately decided that stem cell research and its possible life-giving potential would be a better alternative than discarding unused
embryos. It is also my hope that scientific advances in the use of adult stem cells will soon make embryonic stem cell research unnecessary. I understand that not everyone can agree with my position on this issue.
Ultimately, the voters have decided this issue and as Governor I would uphold the voters' wishes, regardless of my personal opinion. As Governor, my primary focus would be on the economy.
Source: Campaign website, rickformichigan.com, "FAQ"
Nov 2, 2010
Jack Hoogendyk:
Constitutionally guaranteed right to life from conception
I believe that all humans have constitutionally guaranteed right to life.
This right extends from the time of conception to the time of natural death.
Source: 2008 Senate campaign website, jackformichigan.org, “Issues”
May 2, 2008
Jack Hoogendyk:
Supports adult stem cell research but not embryonic research
I am a proponent of stem cell research. But I draw a distinction between embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) and adult stem cell research. Embryonic is impractical because of problems with rejection and, to date, a failure to produce any cures. ESCR also
requires the destruction of a human embryo, which is human life in its smallest form. Adult stem cell research has produced over 70 cures and continues to show great promise and progress. I oppose ESCR and strongly support Adult stem cell research.
Source: 2008 Senate campaign website, jackformichigan.org, “Issues”
May 2, 2008
Mike Bouchard:
Voted against partial-birth abortion; 100% pro-life
- While in the Michigan Senate, Mike Bouchard voted “Yes” to ban the gruesome procedure known as partial- birth abortion
- Mike Bouchard voted to stop Michigan’s tax dollars from being used to pay for the abortions of state employees.
He also voted to stop abortion providers from billing Medicaid for services relating to an abortion.
- During his time in the Michigan House and Senate, Mike Bouchard had a 100% prolife voting record with Right to Life of Michigan.
Source: Right-to-Life of Michigan campaign comparison brochure
Sep 1, 2006
Mike Bouchard:
Co-sponsored legislation to ban human cloning
Mike Bouchard co-sponsored legislation in the Michigan Senate which banned human cloning in Michigan. This legislation has helped ensure Michigan won’t be a place where scientists attempt to clone and kill human embryos for research.
Source: Right-to-Life of Michigan campaign comparison brochure
Sep 1, 2006
Bret McAtee:
Abortion is ethnocide
Elected officials’ being drunk with power is seen in how they completely ignore the 9th and 10th amendments to the Constitution, and in their refusal to stop the ethnocide that is abortion.
Source: Declaration of Candidacy For Michigan US Senate
Jan 1, 2006
Mike Bishop:
Abortions should always be illegal
Bishop indicates support of the following principles concerning abortion.- Abortions should always be illegal.
- Prohibit the dilation and extraction procedure, also known as "partial-birth" abortion.
- Prohibit public funding for abortions and organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
Source: 2000 Michigan National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
George W. Bush:
No pro-life pledge; VP & judges will simply be qualified
FORBES [to Bush]: Let’s pretend George that you get the nomination in August. Would you make three pledges tonight? 1) Preserve the Ronald Reagan plank on life in the Republican platform? 2) State unequivocally that you’ll chose only pro-life
judges? 3) Vow to pick a pro-life running mate? BUSH: I’m going to pick a vice president who can be the president. I’ll pick judges who strictly interpret the constitution and not use the bench as a way to legislate. And I will work to keep the
Republican Party pro-life.
FORBES: It’s a typical hedge. Where’s the pledge, not a hedge? Vagaries aren’t going to work. We need something specific.
BUSH: I will have a vice president who can become the president. That’s the
test, Steve. I will have a vice president that agrees with my policy. I’m going to have a vice president that likes me. I can’t be any more clear -- you may not like the answer, but that’s my answer.
Source: (cross-ref from Forbes) GOP Debate in Michigan
Jan 10, 2000
Steve Forbes:
Recommends pledging pro-life platform, VP, & judges
FORBES [to Bush]: Let’s pretend George that you get the nomination in August. Would you make three pledges tonight? 1) Preserve the Ronald Reagan plank on life in the Republican platform? 2) State unequivocally that you’ll chose only pro-life
judges? 3) Vow to pick a pro-life running mate? BUSH: I’m going to pick a vice president who can be the president. I’ll pick judges who strictly interpret the constitution and not use the bench as a way to legislate. And I will work to keep the
Republican Party pro-life.
FORBES: It’s a typical hedge. Where’s the pledge, not a hedge? Vagaries aren’t going to work. We need something specific.
BUSH: I will have a vice president who can become the president. That’s the
test, Steve. I will have a vice president that agrees with my policy. I’m going to have a vice president that likes me. I can’t be any more clear -- you may not like the answer, but that’s my answer.
Source: (cross-ref to Bush) GOP Debate in Michigan
Jan 10, 2000
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021