State of Michigan Archives: on Abortion

Bill Schuette: Supports the rights of the unborn

Bill Schuette: Enforce prohibitions on abortion; de-fund Planned Parenthood

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.

Bob Young: Life begins at conception

Bret McAtee: Abortion is ethnocide

Dave Trott: Sanctity of life from conception

Debbie Stabenow: Countless women rely on Planned Parenthood

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.

Garrett Soldano: Protect life and push back against the abortion lobby

George W. Bush: No pro-life pledge; VP & judges will simply be qualified

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.

Gretchen Whitmer: Don't make partial-birth abortion a criminal offense

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

Gretchen Whitmer: No insurance riders to get an abortion covered

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.

Gretchen Whitmer: Will stop anti-choice legislation

Gretchen Whitmer: Support Planned Parenthood

Gretchen Whitmer: End 24-hour waiting period; fund Planned Parenthood

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.

Gretchen Whitmer: Spoke of being raped in opposing "rape insurance" bill

Gretchen Whitmer: Abortion clinics deemed "essential" during pandemic shutdown

Jack Bergman: Right to life includes the lives of those yet unborn

Jack Bergman: Only allow abortion when maternal life at risk

Bergman: When the life of the mother is at risk based on her decision.

James Craig: Gave a "thumbs up" to being pro-life

James Craig: Supports 1931 state abortion ban still on the books

John James: 100% pro-life; always have been; always will be

John James: De-fund Planned Parenthood; bad abortion even for rape

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.

John Moolenaar: Make partial-birth abortion a criminal offense

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

Marcia Squier: Fund Planned Parenthood; abortion is an 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.

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.

Mike Bishop: Pro-life with exception only for life of the mother

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.

Mike Bishop: 100% Pro-life record

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

  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

  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

  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: 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

  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

  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

  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

  Tudor Dixon: Endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan PAC

  Tudor Dixon is Pro-Life and endorsed by Michigan's Largest Pro-Life Organization.

  "Tudor Dixon is a strong pro-life leader who possesses the ability to lead Michigan towards being a life-affirming state. Right to Life of MI PAC is excited to work towards the election of Tudor Dixon as Michigan's next governor." - Paul Miller, chairman of Right to Life of Michigan's PAC board.

  Source: 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website TudorDixon.com Aug 3, 2022

  Gretchen Whitmer: Republicans want felony convictions of doctors and nurses

  GOV. GRETCHEN WHITMER (D-MI): With the current legislature that I have, there is no common ground, which is the sad thing. They've already introduced legislation to criminalize and throw nurses and doctors in jail. They've all endorsed the 1931 law, as has all of the Republican people running for governor. They want abortion to be a felony, no exceptions for rape or incest. That's the kind of legislature that I'm working with. That's why this is such a scary moment for Michigan women and our families.

  GOV. KRISTI NOEM (R-SD): I think we'll continue to have those debates on how we can support these mothers and what it means to really make sure that we're not prosecuting mothers ever in a situation like this when it comes to abortion, that it will always be focused towards those doctors who knowingly break the law to perform abortions in our state.

  Source: CBS Face the Nation on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race Jul 26, 2022

  Gretchen Whitmer: Vote yes on Proposal 3 to protect Roe v. Wade rights

  Whitmer and her Republican challenger Tudor Dixon clashed on abortion rights in a debate, as Whitmer backed a referendum on ballots this fall that would amend the state constitution to guarantee abortion rights. Dixon said that referendum, if approved by voters, "would be the most radical abortion law in the entire country. The only place that has something similar is China and North Korea."

  Whitmer shot back: "None of what she said is true." The two were clashing over what's known as Proposal 3, which would scrap Michigan's 1931 law banning abortion. In the wake of the US Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, Whitmer sued to block the enforcement of the state's 1931 abortion ban, and she has backed Proposal 3.

  Proposal 3's opponents say it would nullify virtually all existing guardrails. "You cannot trust her on this issue. If you want to protect Roe v. Wade rights, vote yes on 3," Whitmer said.

  Source: CNN Politics on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race Oct 25, 2022

  Tudor Dixon: Proposal 3 is radical abortion rights like China & N.Korea

  Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her Republican challenger Tudor Dixon clashed on abortion rights in a debate, as Whitmer backed a referendum on ballots this fall that would amend the state constitution to guarantee abortion rights. Dixon said that referendum, if approved by voters, "would be the most radical abortion law in the entire country. The only place that has something similar is China and North Korea."

  Whitmer shot back: "None of what she said is true." The two were clashing over what's known as Proposal 3--a measure placed on the ballot after a petition drive seeking to amend the state's constitution to scrap Michigan's 1931 law banning abortion with no exceptions for cases of rape and incest. That law, which had long been dormant, was revived after the Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade before a judge ruled the law unconstitutional in September.

  Source: CNN Politics on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race Oct 25, 2022

  Gretchen Whitmer: Let's repeal our extreme 1931 law banning abortion

  The other half of attracting and retaining young people is standing up for their freedoms. Just a few months ago, Michiganders told us that people should be able to make their own decisions about their own bodies. Let's get to work. Let's repeal our extreme 1931 law banning abortion. Let's repeal other dangerous laws prohibiting people from accessing reproductive health care or shaming them for seeking it in the first place. Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature Jan 25, 2023

  Elissa Slotkin: Criticized Republicans for opposing abortion access for vets

  Republicans objected to the requirement that the Department of Veterans Affairs provide female veterans with information "tailored to their specific health care" needs. "If you can't state it, then be clear you believe in no exceptions for women," said Slotkin. "You want to ban all abortions. That is your goal. Many of you have been open about that, and if you flip the House, we know that you will put forward a full ban on all abortion for all states." Source: TBD on 2024 Michigan Senate race Sep 29, 2022

  Abdul El-Sayed: Support pro-choice & support 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: Repeal 1931 state law banning most abortions

  SB2: The passage of Proposal 22-3 which enshrined the individual right to reproductive freedom in the Michigan Constitution, invalidated State laws that conflicted with the Proposal's amendments. It was suggested that various State laws be amended or repealed to agree with the Proposal's provisions.

  Associated Press summary April 5, 2023: A near-century old abortion ban that fueled one of the largest ballot drives in Michigan history was repealed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, just months after voters enshrined abortion rights in the state's constitution.

  Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/8/23; passed House 56-52-2 on Mar/22/23; Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Apr/11/23.

  Source: Associated Press on Michigan voting record SB2 Apr 11, 2023

  Kristin McDonald Rivet: Repeal 1931 state law banning most abortions

  SB2: The passage of Proposal 22-3 which enshrined the individual right to reproductive freedom in the Michigan Constitution, invalidated State laws that conflicted with the Proposal's amendments. It was suggested that various State laws be amended or repealed to agree with the Proposal's provisions.

  Associated Press summary April 5, 2023: A near-century old abortion ban that fueled one of the largest ballot drives in Michigan history was repealed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, just months after voters enshrined abortion rights in the state's constitution.

  Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-18-0 on Mar/8/23; State Sen. Kristen McDonald Rivet sponsored and voted YES; passed House 56-52-2 on Mar/22/23; Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Apr/11/23.

  Source: Associated Press on Michigan voting record SB2 Mar 8, 2023

  Garlin Gilchrist: Supported repeal of 1931 state abortion ban

  Our interview with Lt. Gov. Gilchrist fell on the same day Governor Whitmer signed a bill into law getting rid of the 1931 abortion ban in the state of Michigan. "Governor Whitmer signed a bill eliminating, from the books, the 1931 ban on abortion that the voters spoke with a clear voice and voted against by passing Prop 3 in the election," Lt. Gov. Gilchrist told FOX 17. Source: FOX 17 (Fox News) on 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial race Apr 5, 2025

  Jocelyn Benson: Miscarriage made her value easy access to reproductive care

  In an interview with The Associated Press ahead of [the] release of her political memoir entitled, "The Purposeful Warrior," Benson said miscarrying made her value easy access to reproductive health care in an emotional and difficult situation, something she wants to deliver for the state if elected. "It opened my eyes to the need to not just protect reproductive freedom and rights, but actually make sure they're real," said Benson. Source: Associated Press on 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial race May 6, 2025

  Joe Tate: Repeal old state statute banning abortion

  As speaker, some of Tate's priorities include seeking commonsense solutions to addressing gun violence, defending labor rights and repealing a dormant state statute that bans abortion in the aftermath of the Proposal 3 vote enshrining abortion rights into the Michigan Constitution. Source: Bridge Detroit on 2026 Michigan Senate race Dec 24, 2022

  Mallory McMorrow: Worked on repealing the state's 1931 abortion ban

  She used her newfound platform to help flip control of the Michigan Senate for the first time in 40 years, then she got to work: strengthening unions and raising wages, getting rid of the retirement tax on seniors, expanding civil rights, repealing the state's 1931 abortion ban, banning child marriage, tackling gun violence, expanding affordable housing, feeding kids in schools, and so much more. Source: 2026 Senate campaign website McMorrowForMichigan.com Jul 20, 2025

  The above quotations are from State of Michigan Politicians: Archives. Click here for definitions & background information on Abortion. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
  2024 Presidential contenders on Abortion:
  	Candidates for President & Vice-President: V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA) Chase Oliver(L-GA) Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA) Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL) Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH) Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN) Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)	2024 presidential primary contenders: Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE) N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R) N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R) Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R) S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R) Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R) Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN) U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN) Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH) S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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  Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026