2014 Iowa Senate Debates: on Abortion

Joni Ernst: Human life begins at conception

Ernst: Strongly Agree

Question topic: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances? If so, what circumstances?

Ernst: Yes, in the case of life of the mother.

Joni Ernst: Affordable access to contraception

Ernst responded that the amendment Braley referenced "would not do any of the things that he stated it would do. That amendment is simply a statement that I support life."

"I always stand with our women on affordable access to contraception," added Ernst, who stood on a seven-inch riser to put her at eye level with her opponent. "That's something that Congressman Braley has been trying to mislead our women voters on. I do believe in a woman's right to contraception."

Joni Ernst: Personhood amendment is a statement of pro-life principle

Ernst defended her support for a Personhood amendment to the Iowa Constitution. Braley attacked Ernst for supporting the measure in the state legislature, which he said would allow doctors to be prosecuted for terminating pregnancies. That amendment is simply a statement that I support life." She added that she supports "a woman's right to contraception."

Doug Butzier: Leave abortion decisions to the states

A: The constitution leaves this question to the States, so I would oppose any Federal interference with the issue.

Sam Clovis: Human life begins at conception

Clovis: Strongly Agree.

Question topic: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances? If so, what circumstances?

Clovis: I am a Catholic and cannot find my way to exceptions of any kind for abortion. Who protects the unborn if not those who are empowered by the Constitution? It is, after all, the main role of government to protect its citizens.