State of Georgia Archives: on Abortion
Allen Buckley:
No regulations or funding regarding abortion
Abortion needs to remain a private matter without government funding. Personally, I do not like abortion. However, the question is: What is the best government policy? Given the facts that it is very hard to stop an abortion
(i.e., policing-wise) and a person who is willing to have an abortion to prevent herself from being a mother would be the parent of the unwanted child, I believe the best government policy is to stay out."
Source: 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate campaign BuckleyForSenate.org
May 2, 2020
Amanda Swafford:
Human life doesn't begin at conception
Question topic: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.Swafford: Disagree
Question topic: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances? If so, what circumstances?
Swafford: The Federal government should not be involved in medical decisions.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Brian Kemp:
We need to protect the unborn and the born
During debate on the heartbeat bill, I would always start with a simple statement: Georgia is a state that values life. Honestly, it's hard to disagree with that. We live in a place where every person matters - young or old, rich or poor,
any race from any place. As a pro-life Governor, I believe that we need to protect the unborn and the born. We have to defend those in the womb and then champion those when they leave the delivery room.
Source: 2020 Georgia State of the State address
Jan 16, 2020
Brian Kemp:
Supports "Heartbeat Bill" and tough abortion laws
Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?Abrams: Legal. Led efforts to weaken 20-week abortion ban & to block TARP (Targeted Restrictions on Abortion Providers). "Staunch defender of reproduction choices."
Kemp: Ban. Supports "Heartbeat Bill" outlawing abortions after 6 weeks. As governor, will "sign the toughest abortion laws in the country."<
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Brian Kemp:
Signed fetal heartbeat bill, tax deductions for fetuses
Kemp signed legislation banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. That can be as early as six weeks, before many women know they're pregnant. Kemp said he was signing the bill "to ensure that all Georgians have the opportunity to live,
grow, learn and prosper in our great state." The bill also deals with alimony, child support and even income tax deductions for fetuses, declaring that "the full value of a child begins at the point when a detectable human heartbeat exists."
Source: NBC News/Associated Press on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
May 7, 2019
Casey Cagle:
Every child is a gift from God; 100% pro-life
No task of government is more important than protecting innocent life. From his first election through the present, Casey Cagle has never wavered in his dedication to stopping threats against the most vulnerable members of our society.
Lt. Governor Cagle is 100% pro-life, and deeply believes that every child is a gift from God who deserves the full protection of our laws, from conception forward.
He has acted on this commitment by helping pass numerous pieces of pro-life legislation.
Casey Cagle also believes we must protect all members of our society with strong law enforcement, tough criminal laws and a specific focus on preventing our senior citizens from being victims of fraud.
Source: 2018 Georgia gubernatorial campaign website CaseyCagle.com
May 2, 2017
Casey Cagle:
Conservative values: pro-life & pro-second Amendment
Casey Cagle first ad of $4.4 million dollar TV ad campaign:[Casey Cagle talking to camera]: Political talkers may mean well but leaders get things done. [Caption: Casey Cagle, Conservative Republican leader]
I'll always stand for our families and our conservative values...[Caption: Pro-life. Pro-second Amendment]
While I appreciate the encouragement, [Photo of Laura Ingraham with endorsement caption] ...results require decisive action.
[Photo of Lou Dobbs with endorsement caption]
[Female narrator]: Conservative Casey Cagle leads. [Video with Casey Cagle with wife and three young children]
Source: OnTheIssues AdWatch on 2018 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Mar 22, 2018
David Perdue:
Human life begins at conception
Question topic: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.Perdue: Strongly Agree
Question topic: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
Perdue: Based on my faith,
I have deeply held personal convictions that I share with a majority of Georgians. These principles shape my belief in the limited and clearly defined role of government. Additionally, there are certain issues on which I will not waver.
I believe that we should promote a culture that values life and protects the innocent, especially the unborn. I also believe that we must protect traditional marriage, keeping it between one man and one woman.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
David Perdue:
Backed ban on most abortions after six weeks
Q: Keep legal or ban?Perdue: Ban. "Will continue fighting to protect the unborn." Backed ban on most abortions after six weeks that the courts overturned. Co-sponsored bill to end any federal funding of Planned Parenthood.
Ossoff: Legal. "I will only vote to confirm federal judges who pledge to uphold Roe v. Wade." Will defend Planned Parenthood's "essential preventative and reproductive Health Care services."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Derrick Grayson:
Life begins at conception
I believe in the sanctity of ALL Human Life. For me, and science, life begins at conception. Albeit only a clump of cells, engaged in the process of division, it has begun a path of growth with the end result being that of the birth of a Human Baby.
That is where life starts and it ends in the physical realm at death. It's a damned shame that we've reached a point to where in order to dehumanize the process of Life, many refer to that life in it's initial stages as a zygote or a clump of cells.
Source: 2019-20 Georgia Senate campaign website GraysonForGA.com
Nov 22, 2019
Derrick Grayson:
Will fight any taxpayer funding, let charity pay for it
I know many are concerned about Rape, Incest and even those who may have some cognitive limitations. It doesn't justify the taking of another innocent life. In the event she is unable or unwilling to raise that child, Adoption is the best
possible outcome for every life involved. I vow to fight to prevent ANY taxpayer funding of Abortion at the Federal Level. States can decide for themselves. If Abortion remains legal, let charity pay for it, not taxpayers.
Source: 2019-20 Georgia Senate campaign website GraysonForGA.com
Nov 22, 2019
Doug Collins:
Co-sponsored bill giving legal protections to unborn
Q: Abortion--Keep legal or ban?Doug Collins: Ban. "Unapologetically pro-life." Co-sponsored bill giving legal protections to unborn. Co-sponsored Defund Planned Parenthood Act and bill banning any entity that provides abortions
from receiving paycheck protection loan
Kelly Loeffler: Ban. "Unapologetically pro-life." Has co-sponsored "four bills to protect the unborn."
Raphael Warnock: Legal. Supports "a woman's right to choose , a decision between her and her doctor."
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Drew Ferguson:
Life beings at conception
Q: Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
Ferguson: I believe that life beings at conception.
Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on Georgia House race
Nov 8, 2016
Ed Tarver:
Government should not legislate women's health decisions
Q: Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?A: The government should not legislate women's health decisions or dictate what is best for a woman's own body.
Abortion is a medical option in cases when the fetus is no longer viable and in cases of extreme genetic dysmorphism. Additionally, abortion should be an option for women in cases of rape and/or incest.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate
Nov 3, 2020
Herschel Walker:
Is "strongly pro-life" including conservative judges
Days after the Texas abortion law went into effect [allowing personal lawsuits against abortion clinics], Walker's camp put out a statement saying only that he's "strongly pro-life"
and would support constitutional conservatives for judges.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2022 Georgia Senate race
Oct 20, 2021
Herschel Walker:
Supports a total abortion ban without any exceptions
In his responses to a survey questionnaire from the Georgia Life Alliance, Walker indicated he supported a total ban on all abortion, without exceptions for rape, incest, or saving the mother's life. "I am 100% pro-life.
As Georgia's next senator, I will vote for any legislation which protects the sanctity of human life, even if the legislation is not perfect," he wrote on the questionnaire. "Every human life is valuable and absolutely worth saving."
Source: The Bulwark on 2022 Georgia Senate race
May 9, 2022
Jason Carter:
Voted against restrictions on abortion rights
- Carter voted NO on March 3, 2014 on SB 98: Prohibits Abortion Coverage in a Qualified Health Plan (Bill Passed Senate, 35-18)
- Carter voted NO on March 26, 2012 on HB 954: Prohibits Abortions after 20 Weeks (Bill Passed Senate, 36-19)
-
Carter voted NO on March 7, 2012 on SB 438: Prohibits State Employee Insurance Coverage of Abortions (Bill Passed Senate, 33-18)
- Carter voted NO on March 16, 2011 on SB 210: Liability for Violations of Abortion Laws (Bill Passed Senate, 36-16)
Source: Vote-Smart voting records: 2014 Georgia governor race
Mar 3, 2014
Jon Ossoff:
Will only vote to confirm judges who will uphold Roe v. Wade
I am pro-choice. I believe that women, not the government, should control the private, personal, and complex decision whether to terminate a pregnancy.
In the Senate, I will only vote to confirm federal judges who pledge to uphold Roe v. Wade.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
Jim Barksdale:
Comprehensive reproductive health care services for women
The United States is the only industrialized nation that does not provide paid family and medical leave and paid sick days, meaning that women are forced out of the workplace whenever they chose to start a family or whenever their child is ill.
While the Affordable Care Act made strides to make women's health care more affordable, more has to be done to ensure that all women have access to comprehensive reproductive health care.
Jim has always sought to ensure the business he started is family friendly and flexible for all his employees.
As a U.S. Senator, Jim will be a vote for equal pay for equal work, paid family and medical leave, paid sick days and comprehensive reproductive health care services.
Source: 2016 Georgia Senate campaign website JimBarksdale.com
Aug 8, 2016
Jim Martin:
I support Roe v. Wade
Q: What principles do you support concerning abortion? A: I support Roe v. Wade's decision. My Legislative priorities are as follows:
- Defend a woman's right to reproductive choice.
- Equitable distribution of State funds.
-
Strengthen crime prevention and law enforcement.
- Foster rational economic development.
- Protect the environment.
- Protection of all Georgia children.
- Support improvement in public education.
- Improved efficiency in government.
Source: 2000 Georgia National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Johnny Isakson:
Government should not be funding Planned Parenthood
Senator Johnny Isakson voted for legislation that would fund the government through fiscal year 2016 while stripping funding for Planned Parenthood and redirecting those funds to women's health care centers to ensure that there is no reduction in funding
for women's health:"The government should not be funding Planned Parenthood or any abortions in the first place," said Senator Isakson. "It is Congress' responsibility to keep the government open and provide critical funding.
I cast my vote today to keep the government funded, protect women's health, and see to it that no tax dollars go to an organization that participates in the abhorrent activities of Planned Parenthood."
In light of the gruesome video footage detailing
Planned Parenthood's role in the harvesting of the organs of unborn babies, Isakson joined Senate Republicans in calling on the administration to launch an investigation into the practices of Planned Parenthood.
Source: Valdosta Today on 2016 Georgia Senate race
Sep 25, 2015
Johnny Isakson:
Returned from surgery to defund Planned Parenthood
Senate Republicans, aided by Vice President Mike Pence and an ailing Georgia colleague who gingerly made his way to the Capitol with the aid of a wheelchair and a walker, voted Thursday to undo an Obama administration rule preventing states from
blocking funding for family planning clinics that also provide abortions.Democrats all voted against the bill, as did two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Ms. Collins and Ms. Murkowski have long opposed
attacks on funding Planned Parenthood, which they argue provides services for women in areas with scarce health care options.
Senator Johnny Isakson, Republican of Georgia, who returned after two back surgeries, was cleared by his doctors to travel
for one day only to help pass the measure, but it took Pence's final vote to break the 50-50 tie. The measure will now head to Trump's desk, a onetime supporter of Planned Parenthood who adopted an anti-abortion rights position during the campaign.
Source: N.Y.Times on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Mar 30, 2017
Jon Ossoff:
Defend a woman's right to choose and Planned Parenthood
Jon will defend women's access to contraception and a woman's right to choose and fight any legislation or executive action that would allow insurance companies to discriminate against women.
Planned Parenthood provides essential preventative and reproductive health care services like cancer screenings, STD testing and low-cost birth control to millions of American women. Jon will defend Planned Parenthood in Congress.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
Jon Ossoff:
Will only confirm judges pledged to uphold Roe v. Wade
Q: Keep abortion legal or ban?Ossoff: Legal. "I will only vote to confirm federal judges who pledge to uphold Roe v. Wade." Will defend Planned Parenthood's "essential preventative and reproductive health care services."
Perdue: Ban. "Will continue fighting to protect the unborn." Backed ban on most abortions after six weeks that the courts overturned. Co-sponsored bill to end any federal funding of Planned Parenthood.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Karen Handel:
Endorsed by Susan B. Anthony List for pro-life women
The Susan B. Anthony List is throwing its support to former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel's Senate campaign. The group supports candidates who oppose abortion rights, mostly endorsing Republican women.Handel, while at the Susan G. Komen
Foundation for breast cancer research, pushed the group to end funding for Planned Parenthood, a women's health organization that provides abortions. The move triggered a huge public controversy, the group reversed its decision and Handel resigned.
The Susan B. Anthony List touts her fight to keep money from Planned Parenthood in its endorsement: "Karen Handel is a strong, articulate pro-life leader," said the Susan B. Anthony List Candidate Fund President. "Karen fearlessly exposed the false roots
of the 'war on women' PR campaign when she called America's largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, a bully--and busted the myth that they provide mammograms."
Source: The Hill e-zine on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Mar 4, 2014
Karen Handel:
Chaired Commission with abortion grants, but opposed them
In 2012, Handel resigned from a leadership role with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation after it reversed its decision to cut ties with the abortion rights group Planned Parenthood. Handel timeline:Nov. 2003: Handel elected to chairwoman of
the Fulton County Commission.Nov. 2006: Handel elected Georgia secretary of state--despite a rival's claim that, because the Fulton County Commission approved grants to Planned Parenthood, she supports abortion.March 2009: Handel declares her
candidacy for governor. Opponents and Georgia Right to Life criticize her as soft on abortion. Handel blogs that she opposes Planned Parenthood.April 2011: Handel named vice president for public policy for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.Feb. 2012:
Handel resigns from Komen after it reverses a decision to stop providing grants to Planned Parenthood.Sept. 11, 2012: Publishes "Planned Bullyhood," a book that largely concerns her tenure at Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2017 Georgia 6th House race
Apr 18, 2017
Karen Handel:
I cut ties with Planned Parenthood because I was ordered to
One of the rawest and most emotionally-charged moments of the debate came when the two candidates butted heads on health care. Ossoff said Handel "sees fit to impose her own view on Georgians' health care decisions," and cited her short yet high-profile
tenure as vice president of public policy at the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Handel resigned from the charity in 2012 and later wrote a book called "Planned Bullyhood" about the group's decision to reverse course on its decision to cut ties with
Planned Parenthood because of abortion."She imposed her own views and cut off funding for breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood," Ossoff said.
"I have been working on women's health issues for nearly my entire life," Handel responded. "I
will not be lectured by you or anyone else." She said that she was just one of many employees at Komen and that she carried out the decision to cut ties with Planned Parenthood after being instructed to do so by the Komen board.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2017 Georgia House debate
Jun 6, 2017
Kelly Loeffler:
Fierce opponent of abortion
In her introductory news conference, Loeffler pledged allegiance to Trump and decried Democrats' efforts to impeach the president as a "circus." She said she would defend the Second Amendment, support Trump's border wall and conservative judges and
will be a fierce opponent of abortion. "Contrary to what you might see in the media, not every strong American woman is a liberal," she said. "Many of us are conservative and proud of it."
Source: Atlanta Journal-Const.on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Dec 6, 2019
Kelly Loeffler:
Would support legislation to limit abortions
Anti-abortion groups have attacked Kemp's choice, painting Loeffler as a pro-abortion rights individual over her donations to an area hospital--which has not
performed elective abortions and hasn't for at least a decade. During her announcement, Loeffler said she would support legislation to limit abortions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Dec 4, 2019
Kelly Loeffler:
Endorsed by Susan B. Anthony List; unapologetically pro-life
A devout Christian, Kelly Loeffler is unapologetically pro-life. During her short time in the U.S. Senate,
she has co-sponsored four bills to protect the unborn. She is proud to be endorsed by Susan B Anthony List--a leading pro-life organization in America.
Source: Susan B. Anthony 2020 Georgia Senate endorsements
Jun 16, 2020
Kelly Loeffler:
Co-sponsored four bills to protect the unborn
Q: Abortion--Keep legal or ban?Kelly Loeffler: Ban. "Unapologetically pro-life." Has co-sponsored "four bills to protect the unborn." Called for investigating Planned Parenthood for receiving taxpayer funds under the Paycheck Protection Program.
Raphael Warnock: Legal. Supports "a woman's right to choose , a decision between her and her doctor." Opposes "all partisan attacks defunding healthcare providers like Planned Parenthood."
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Latham Saddler:
Will fight to protect the lives of all our unborn children
Every parent knows the God-given instinct deep within us to protect our children. As a father, Latham knows this too, and hearing his sons' hearts beating for the first times solidified his belief in protecting unborn life.
His twin brother, Ashby, who has Down syndrome, is a shining example of the extraordinary impact that a single life can have. Latham is pro-life and will fight to protect the lives of all our unborn children.
Source: 2022 Georgia Senate campaign website LathamSaddler.com
Dec 27, 2021
Matt Lieberman:
In campaign announcement, came out as pro-choice
Matt Lieberman's views are largely unknown so far. In a video declaring his candidacy, he called for a ban on assault-style weapons,
proclaimed himself pro-choice, and endorsed a "Voting Rights Act for the 21st Century" to protect voters who rights might be endangered by state and local laws.
Source: Newsmax.com on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Oct 8, 2019
Michelle Nunn:
Safe, legal, rare, and woman's personal decision
On the issue of abortion, Nunn said that she believes abortions should be "safe, legal and rare and that women
should be ultimately able to make this very difficult personal decision in concert with their doctor and their family."
Source: Fox News coverage of 2014 Georgia Senate debates
Jul 23, 2013
Paul Broun:
Human life begins at conception
Question topic: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Broun: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Raphael Warnock:
Supports Roe and a woman's right to choose
Warnock has fought to increase safe and affordable access to contraceptives and achieve reproductive justice. With Washington politicians still working to overturn Roe v. Wade and repeal the Affordable Care Act, which would allow insurance companies to
treat pregnancy as a pre-existing condition, Reverend Warnock recognizes that women's health care is under attack like never before. As a Senator, he will stand up for reproductive justice and a woman's right to choose.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website WarnockForGeorgia.com
May 17, 2020
Raphael Warnock:
Planned Parenthood endorsement: will fight new restrictions
Planned Parenthood Action Fund said it backs Warnock. Staci Fox, the head of Planned Parenthood's Atlanta-based chapter, called Warnock a "dedicated champion" who will fight new abortion restrictions in the U.S. Senate. "The people of Georgia are
done seeing the Trump administration and the current senators try to use every trick in the book to chip away at health care access and safety net programs, and are ready for a bold leader who will fight back against these harmful policies," she said.
Source: AJC on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate endorsements
May 20, 2020
Raphael Warnock:
Longtime supporter of contraceptive access & abortion rights
Warnock, who worked as a sexual health educator before joining the clergy, has long been a vocal supporter of abortion rights. Dr. Ginger Davis Floyd, a former state health official, recalled his work in college seeking to reduce teenage pregnancy
and infant mortality. "From first-hand experience, I know he is a tremendous advocate for women's health, contraceptive access, and the pro-choice movement," she said.
Source: AJC on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate endorsements
May 20, 2020
Raphael Warnock:
A decision between a woman and her doctor
Q: Abortion--Keep legal or ban?Raphael Warnock: Legal. Supports "a woman's right to choose; a decision between her and her doctor." Opposes "all partisan attacks defunding healthcare providers like Planned Parenthood."
Kelly Loeffler: Ban. "Unapologetically pro-life." Has co-sponsored "four bills to protect the unborn." Called for investigating Planned Parenthood for receiving taxpayer funds under the Paycheck Protection Program.
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Raphael Warnock:
Pro-choice: focused on infant and maternal mortality
Warnock: I have a profound reverence for life and an abiding respect for choice. But those who are concerned about life, and I certainly am, ought to be focused on the incredibly high rates of infant mortality and maternal mortality in our
country when compared to other developed nations, that's something that government can work on and I've been working on it in my entire career.
Source: Senate Runoff: 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate debate
Dec 6, 2020
Rick Allen:
Fight for the rights of the unborn
Traditional family values are the very foundation of our democracy and need to be protected.
I am 100% pro-life and will fight for the rights of the unborn.
Source: 2014 Georgia House campaign website, RickWAllen.com
Nov 4, 2014
Rick Allen:
Human life begins at conception
Q: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death?Allen: Strongly Agree
Q: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances? If so, what circumstances?
Allen: Only to save the life of the mother.
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Shane Hazel:
Government has helped execute over 70 million babies
Q: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?A: Pro-life. Federal Government has helped execute over 70 million babies.
We would save more babies if we decentralized the power to the states. I will support decentralized power in the case of infanticide.
Source: 2020 PVS Political Courage Test on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Sep 1, 2020
Sonny Perdue:
Require information session 24 hours before abortion
Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law today the Woman's Right to Know Act (House Bill 197). This legislation updates Georgia's abortion requirements by ensuring that women are given the opportunity to make an informed decision about the procedure.
HB197 stipulates that women considering an abortion should receive accurate and adequate information 24 hours in advance of the procedure. This information is to include the medical risks of the procedure, probable gestational age of the unborn child,
medical risks of carrying the child to term, medical assistance available for prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care, and that the father is liable for child support. The bill also seeks to protect minors by requiring that an unemancipated minor
be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must show proper identification and state that they are the lawful parent or guardian. Parents or guardians must also receive notice 24 hours before an abortion is performed.
Source: Press release: Georgia Legislative voting records on HB197
May 10, 2005
Sonny Perdue:
Establish a stem cell tissue bank from fetal sources
[Governor Perdue issued an Executive Order to accomplish the objectives of SB596, which failed during the 2006 legislative session.]- WHEREAS: Over 100 million Americans suffer from diseases that may be treated or cured with stem cells; and
-
WHEREAS: The umbilical cord, placenta, and amniotic fluid are rich in stem cells which may be used for scientific research and medical treatment without destroying embryos;
- NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED: The Governor's Commission for Newborn
Umbilical Cord Blood Research and Medical Treatment, shall be created, for the purpose of establishing a network of postnatal tissue and fluid banks in partnership with colleges, hospitals, or organizations.
- IT IS FURTHER ORDERED: The
Commission shall promote awareness and encourage donation of postnatal tissue and fluid to public or private umbilical cord blood banks, and develop a program to educate pregnant patients with respect to the banking of postnatal tissue and fluid.
Source: Georgia Legislative voting records on SB596
Apr 14, 2006
Stacey Abrams:
Expand reproductive freedom to under-served areas
She will support reproductive freedom and access to treatment for women, regardless of ability to pay. Also, across our state, more than half of our counties lack access to OB/GYNs or pediatricians.
Stacey will leverage state and federal programs to incentivize more doctors and medical personnel to locate in under-served areas, and she will work with practitioners to reduce our maternal and infant mortality rates and increase access to care.
Source: 2018 Georgia Gubernatorial website StaceyAbrams.com
Sep 1, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
Don't jeopardize access to birth control
Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?Abrams: Legal. Led efforts to weaken 20-week abortion ban & to block TARP (Targeted Restrictions on Abortion Providers). "Staunch defender of reproduction choices."
Kemp: Ban. Supports "Heartbeat Bill" outlawing abortions after 6 weeks. As governor, will "sign the toughest abortion laws in the country."
Contraception: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally?
Abrams: No specific stand, but opposes Judge Kavanaugh
for potentially jeopardizing "access to birth control."
Kemp: Yes. As governor, will sign a "religious freedom" bill that would allow withholding of contraceptive coverage.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Teresa Tomlinson:
A woman is the sole fiduciary of her body and any pregnancy
- I believe that women's reproductive rights are basic human rights.
- I believe that bodily autonomy is an essential component of the freedom and equality guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
- I believe that politicians should stay out of the
private and highly individualized medical considerations of a woman's reproductive health.
- I reject the notion that a pregnancy creates an independent "person" under the law. Indeed, a woman is the sole fiduciary of her body and any pregnancy
she carries.
- I support the fundamental right to abortion enshrined by Roe v. Wade and will only vote for the confirmation of federal judges who commit to adhere to the bedrock judicial principle of stare decisis.
-
I support the repeal of policies, including the Hyde Amendment, which prohibit abortion coverage for women who get their reproductive care through government-administered healthcare programs.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website, TeresaTomlinson.com
Jan 12, 2020
Tom Price:
Would allow firing workers for birth control, abortion
Price opposed a 2015 Washington, D.C., nondiscrimination law that would have prevented employers from
firing workers for using birth control or having an abortion.
Source: TheCut.com on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Sep 26, 2019
Tom Price:
Co-sponsored Right to Life Act, protecting zygotes
In 2005 and 2007, he co-sponsored two personhood bills known as Right to Life Acts, which would have granted zygotes full legal protection under the Constitution from the moment of fertilization, effectively
banning both emergency contraception and abortion. The bills were introduced but never voted on.
Source: TheCut.com on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Sep 26, 2019
Tom Price:
For Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
He voted for the so-called Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act in both 2013 and 2015, which would have resulted in a nationwide 20-week abortion ban--no matter that such legislation is unconstitutional since 20 weeks is before fetal viability.
He also supported an amendment preventing medical-training grants from being used to train graduate students how to perform abortions.
Source: TheCut.com on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Sep 26, 2019
Tom Price:
Opposed to free birth control on religious grounds
He's opposed to free birth control which studies show reduce the abortion rate. He told ThinkProgress in 2012 that there are no women who struggle to afford birth control and that the ACA's contraceptive mandate is wrong. "Bring me
one woman who has been left behind. Bring me one. There's not one," he said. "The fact of the matter is, this is a trampling of religious freedom and religious liberty in this country."
Source: TheCut.com on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Sep 26, 2019
Vernon Jones:
Abortions should always be legal
Jones supports the following principles regarding Abortion Issues: - Abortions should always be legal.
-
Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
- Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
Source: Georgia Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jul 2, 2008
Vernon Jones:
Supports embryonic stem cell research
Q: Do you support federal funding for research on existing embryonic stem cell lines? A: Yes.
Q: Do you support federal funding to create lines of stem cells from new embryos?
A: Yes.
Source: Georgia Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jul 2, 2008
Vernon Jones:
Opposed anti-abortion "heartbeat" bill enacted in Georgia
Jones must answer for a long history of controversy in public office that includes allegations of sexual assault that he has denied,
along with votes that could alienate Republicans such as Jones' opposition to a strict anti-abortion "heartbeat" measure that Kemp signed into law in 2019.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2022 Georgia Governor race
Apr 16, 2021
Zell Miller:
Promote and fund sexual abstinence programs
I also want to expand the family planning services in county health departments. We are going to expand two successful, community-based pregnancy prevention programs. One is targeted at teenage males, and it is already
in operation in 15 Georgia communities. The other is Grady Hospital's abstinence-based program for teens called "Postponing Sexual Involvement."
Source: 1997 Georgia State of the State Address
Jan 14, 1997
Shane Hazel:
Supports bodily autonomy & right to health privacy
[GOP Gov. Brian] Kemp has touted signing the "toughest abortion ban in the nation," Georgia's "heartbeat bill" (HB 481) in 2019. The new law went into effect this year and essentially prohibits abortions once a fetal heart beat is detected, which
proponents argue is typically about six weeks of pregnancy. The new law has exceptions for rape and incest if a police report is filed.Kemp has vowed to continue to fight for life, while [Democratic opponent Stacey] Abrams argues that women should
have the freedom to make their own medical decisions and that forcing women to carry a pregnancy places women at risk of poverty and maternal mortality, especially as Georgia is in the top five states with the highest maternal deaths. Abrams plans to
increase availability of Plan B and emergency contraceptives, if elected.
Hazel, though not clearly defined on his website, appears to support bodily autonomy and states, "You have a right to your health. You have a right to health privacy."
Source: The Hill on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Oct 8, 2022
Stacey Abrams:
Georgia law would investigate women for miscarriage
This law, as it stands right now, will investigate women for miscarriage or for pregnancy loss. It tells women that they are in danger of going to jail if they are found to have committed some type of feticide against -- essentially, if they are
drinking a glass of wine, because we have now granted personhood. We do not know what this law means. That means that women are in danger. They're in danger of losing their liberties. They're in danger of not having health care.
Source: CNN SOTU interviews on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Aug 7, 2022
Stacey Abrams:
Rights should be sacrosanct regardless of state lines
A majority of Georgians rejected the notion of overturning Roe v. Wade. What is more concerning to me though is the notion that our constitutional rights and bodily autonomy that women for 50 years have come to rely on will now be subject to state by
state imprimatur rather than being governed by a federal notion that no matter who you are, no matter where you live, we live in the United States and our ability to control our bodies should be sacrosanct regardless of state lines.
Source: Fox News Sunday on 2022 Georgia Governor race
Jun 26, 2022
Stacey Abrams:
Politicians are not scientists, don't set arbitrary limits
You do it by not setting arbitrary, gestational limits, that rarely reflect medical decision making. This is a medical decision. When we tell women and their doctors to make these choices, we are saying we respect the responsibility that women have
and the obligation that doctors have. That politicians are not scientists. We should not be setting into law these moving targets that do not reflect the reality that women face when they're sitting in that doctor's office.
Source: Meet the Press on 2022 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Aug 7, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023