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John Bel Edwards on Abortion
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Add rape and incest exceptions to our abortion ban
I know our pro-life position can include basic empathy for women who are victims of rape and incest. I simply do not know how we as a state can tell a young girl or any victim of rape or incest that she must be forced by law to carry her rapist's baby
to term, regardless of the impact on her own physical or mental health, the wishes of her parents, or the medical judgment of her physician. I urge you to add rape and incest exceptions to our abortion ban.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Louisiana legislature
, Apr 10, 2023
Member of Democrats for Life, anti-choice group
Where Missouri is a battleground for Democrats for Life, Louisiana is about as close as its members have to a stronghold. More than half of Louisiana residents, including nearly 40% of
Democrats, say abortion should be illegal in all or most cases, according to a 2016 survey. The governor, John Bel Edwards, is one of the organization's most prominent members.
In this environment, Ms. [Katrina] Jackson, the Democratic state senator, has bloomed into a star. She draws a hard line at abortion. To her, it's unequivocal: Abortion is murder, and murder goes against God's will.
Over two terms as a state representative--she joined the Senate in 2019--Ms. Jackson put her name to a slew of laws that have made headlines and drawn furious protests from abortion rights activists in Louisiana and nationwide.
Source: Christian Science Monitor on Louisiana voting records
, Feb 4, 2020
Favored fetal heartbeat bill banning early abortions
SB184: Provides that it is unlawful for any person to knowingly perform an abortion with the specific intent of causing or abetting the termination of the life of an unborn human being when a fetal heartbeat has been detected.Analysis by
ABC News (May 30, 2019): The bill itself is similar to some of the other so-called "heartbeat" bills that have been signed into law elsewhere in that it bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected,
which is as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Unlike some other bills and other existing abortion laws, the Louisiana bill does not include exceptions in cases of rape and incest.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 31-5-3 on May/6/19; Passed House 79-23-3 on May/29/19; Signed by Governor John Bel Edwards on May/30/19.
Source: ABC News on Louisiana legislative voting records SB184
, May 30, 2019
Signed one of country's most restrictive anti-abortion laws
Edwards signed into law one of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws in the country, earning praise from groups like the Susan B. Anthony List, which applauded him for "leading the way in the bipartisan effort to bring our nation's laws into line with
basic human decency."Edwards said, "The pro-life ethos has to mean more than just the abortion issue. It's got to go beyond that. The job isn't over when the baby's born if you've got poor people who need access to health care."
Source: America Magazine on 2019 Louisiana gubernatorial race
, Dec 14, 2018
Unblemished anti-abortion voting record
John Bel Edwards says, "We need the exact opposite of what we've gotten from Bobby Jindal; he has sacrificed the state's well-being to further his own self-ambition." But in some ways, Edwards is more like Jindal than many might think. Like the governor,
he is an anti-abortion, pro-gun rights Catholic; his voting record is unblemished on both issues. Edwards is also known in the House as one of the most studied and disciplined legislators on either side of the aisle. Like Jindal, he has a sharp mind
for policy. And he's not the back-slapping, joke-telling candidate some Louisiana voters are accustomed to.What Edwards is telling voters that separates him from Jindal boils down to honesty.
Seven of the eight years he has served in the Legislature were spent closing budget deficits, and over time Edwards became increasingly vocal about calling out the governor on what he calls "fictions" in the budgeting process.
Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune on 2015 La. Gubernatorial race
, Oct 8, 2015
AdWatch: My daughter is living proof of my pro-life values
State Rep. John Bel Edwards--is running an ad highlighting his anti-abortion views. In the 30-second TV spot, Edwards' wife Donna describes being 20-weeks pregnant when a doctor discovered their child had spina bifida and encouraged her to have an
abortion. `I was devastated,` Donna Edwards says. `But John Bel never flinched. He just said, 'No. No, we're going to love this baby no matter what.'`The commercial shows their grown-up daughter with her fiancee as Donna Edwards says, `Samantha's
getting married next spring and she's living proof that John Bel Edwards lives his values every day.`
Edwards said the ad was his daughter's idea `to make sure people understood where we are on that issue as it relates to our Catholic Christian faith,
being pro-life.` It also draws distinctions from the national Democratic Party, as Edwards positions himself as the kind of moderate Democrat that Louisiana used to regularly elect to statewide office.
Source: Okla. News AdWatch on 2015-16 La. Gubernatorial race
, Oct 8, 2015
Provide alternatives to Planned Parenthood before blocking
The four major candidates all oppose abortion, but they do differ on the exceptions they're willing to consider in their opposition to the procedure. All four men say they don't object to an abortion when a mother's life is in jeopardy. Angelle and
Vitter don't support exceptions for rape or incest victims; Dardenne does. Edwards said he'd consider such exceptions if they were the `legislative will.`Another difference of opinion involves term-limited Gov. Bobby Jindal's decision to block
Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, which doesn't provide abortions in Louisiana. All three Republicans say they support Jindal's decision. Edwards said there should be more investigation of claims that the organization was illegally
profiting from fetal tissue sales, which Planned Parenthood denies. He also said Louisiana must make sure other health care locations are available to provide services before blocking Planned Parenthood from Medicaid.
Source: Okla. News on 2015 Louisiana Gubernatorial debate
, Oct 8, 2015
Abortion doctors must have hospital admitting privileges
HB388: Provides for requirements of physicians who perform abortionsOpposition by Jurist.org: The law would likely shut down three of the state's five abortion clinics. Proponents of the bill argue that admitting privileges requirements
further the objective of promoting women's health. Critics contend that bills like HB 388 are thinly-veiled attempts to outlaw abortions entirely. A Planned Parenthood press release [says HB 388] was passed under the guise of protecting patient safety
but it does the opposite. Data from the CDC shows that abortion has over a 99 percent safety record. For patients' safety, providers already have plans in place in case of an emergency.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-3-2, Vote
#988 on May/14/14; Passed House 88-5-11, Vote #1108 on May/21/14; State Rep. John Bel Edwards voted YES; Signed by Governor Bobby Jindal on Jun/12/14 [Note: this was the law overturned by the Supreme Court in June 2020.]
Source: Jurist.org on Louisiana legislative voting records HB388
, May 21, 2014
Abortion is the freedom of choice
Edwards indicated support for the following principles regarding abortion.-
Abortion is the freedom of choice, between the appropriate parties and their higher power.
Source: 200xx6 State Congressional National Political Awareness Test
, Nov 1, 2006
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by John Bel Edwards.
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LA secondary archives.
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Other governors on Abortion: |
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[Title7]
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Gubernatorial Debates 2021:
CA Recall:
S.D.Mayor Kevin_Faulconer(R)
vs.Former Gov. nominee John Cox(R)
vs.Former U.S.Rep Doug Ose(R)
vs.Laura Smith(R)
vs.Former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner(R)
vs.Radio Host Larry Elder(R)
vs.Kevin Paffrath(D)
vs. Gavin Newsom(D)
NJ:
Incumbent Phil Murphy(D)
vs.State Rep. Jack Ciattarelli(R)
vs.Candidate Hirsh Singh(R)
vs.GOP Chair Doug Steinhardt(R)
VA:
Incumbent Ralph Northam(D,term-limited)
vs.Former Governor Terry McAuliffe(D)
vs.CEO Glenn Youngkin(R)
vs.A.G. Mark Herring(D)
vs.State Sen. Amanda Chase(I)
vs.Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax(D)
vs.State Rep. Jennifer Carroll Foy(D)
vs.State Rep. Lee Carter(D)
vs.State Sen. Jennifer McClellan(D)
vs.State Rep. Kirk Cox(R)
vs.CEO Pete Snyder(R)
Gubernatorial Debates 2023:
KY:
Incumbent Andy Beshear(D)
vs.State A.G. Daniel Cameron(R)
vs.Ambassador Kelly Craft(R)
vs.State Auditor Mike Harmon(R)
LA:
Incumbent John Bel Edwards(D,term-limited)
vs.Biden Adviser Cedric Richmond(? D)
vs.Senator John Neely Kennedy(? R)
vs.Mitch Landrieu(D ?)
MS:
Incumbent Tate Reeves(R)
vs.Bill Waller(R)
Gubernatorial Debates 2022:
AK:
Incumbent Mike Dunleavy(R)
vs.Bill Walker(I)
vs.Les Gara(D)
vs.Billy Toien(L)
vs.State Rep. Chris Kurka(R)
AL:
Incumbent Kay Ivey(R)
vs.Chris Countryman(D)
vs.Yolanda Flowers(D)
vs.Stacy Lee George(R)
vs.Ambassador Lynda Blanchard(R)
vs.State Sen. Malika Sanders-Fortier(D)
vs.Challenger Tim James(R)
AR:
Incumbent Asa Hutchinson(R,term-limited)
vs.Trump Adviser Sarah Huckabee Sanders(R)
vs.A.G. Leslie Rutledge(R,withdrew Nov.2021)
vs.Ricky Dale Harrington(L)
vs.Anthony Bland(D)
vs.Chris Jones(D)
AZ:
Incumbent Doug Ducey(R,term-limited)
Mayor Marco Lopez(D)
vs.Former news anchor Kari Lake(R)
vs.Secretary of State Katie Hobbs(D)
vs.State Treasurer Kimberly Yee(R)
vs.U.S.Rep.Matt Salmon(R)
vs.Steve Gaynor(R)
vs.State Rep.Aaron Lieberman(D)
vs.Jorge Rivas(R)
vs.Karrin Taylor Robson(R)
CA:
Incumbent Gavin Newsom(D)
vs.S.D.Mayor Kevin_Faulconer(R)
vs.Former Gov. nominee John Cox(R)
vs.Kevin Paffrath(D)
vs.State Sen. Brian Dahle(R)
vs.State A.G. Rob Bonta(D for AG)
CO:
Incumbent Jared Polis(D)
vs.Mayor Greg Lopez(R)
vs.Heidi Ganahl(R)
CT:
Incumbent Ned Lamont(D)
vs.Bob Stefanowski(? R)
FL:
Incumbent Ron DeSantis(R)
vs.Former Gov.Charlie Crist(D)
vs.Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried(D)
vs.Annette Taddeo(D)
vs.Brian Moore(G)
GA:
Incumbent Brian Kemp(R)
vs.Minority Leader Stacey Abrams(D)
vs.Senate candidate Shane Hazel(L)
vs.State Rep.Vernon Jones(R)
vs.2020 candidate Kandiss Taylor(R)
vs.Senator David Perdue(R)
HI:
Incumbent David Ige(D,term-limited)
vs.Former Lt.Gov.Duke Aiona(R nominee)
vs.Marissa Kerns(R)
vs.Lt.Gov.Josh Green(D nominee)
vs.Vicky Cayetano(D)
vs.Paul Morgan(R)
vs.State Rep.Kirk Caldwell(D)
vs.U.S.Rep.Kai Kahele(D)
IA:
Incumbent Kim Reynolds(R)
vs.Deidre DeJear(D)
vs.State Rep.Ras Smith(D)
ID:
Incumbent Brad Little(R)
vs.Stephen Heidt(D)
vs.Raul Labrador(R)
vs.Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin(R)
vs.Ammon Bundy(R)
vs.Ed Humphreys(R)
IL:
Incumbent J.B. Pritzker(D)
vs.State Sen.Darren Bailey(R)
vs.Paul Schimpf(R)
vs.Jesse Sullivan(R)
vs.Richard Irvin(R)
KS:
Incumbent Laura Kelly(D)
vs.Jeff Colyer(R)
vs.State Sen.Derek Schmidt(R)
vs.Chase LaPorte(R)
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Gubernatorial Debates 2022 (continued):
MA:
Incumbent Charlie Baker(R)
vs.Lt.Gov.Karyn Polito(R)
vs.State Rep. Geoff Diehl(R)
vs.Harvard Professor Danielle Allen(D)
vs.State Sen.Ben Downing(D)
vs.State Sen.Sonia Chang-Diaz(D)
vs.Shiva Ayyadurai(I)
vs.A.G. Maura Healey(D)
MD:
Incumbent Larry Hogan(R,term-limited)
vs.State Del.Robin Ficker(R)
vs.State Del.Peter Franchot(D)
vs.State Del.Kelly M. Schulz(R)
vs.Secretary John B. King(D)
vs.Ashwani Jain(D)
vs.State A.G. Doug Gansler(D)
vs.County Exec. Rushern Baker(D)
vs.Secretary Thomas Perez(D)
vs.Wes Moore(D)
vs.Dan Cox(R)
ME:
Incumbent Janet Mills(D)
vs.Former Gov. Paul LePage(R)
MI:
Incumbent Gretchen Whitmer(D)
vs.Chief James Craig(R)
vs.Police Chief Tudor Dixon(R)
vs.Garrett Soldano(R)
vs.John E. James(? R)
MN:
Incumbent Tim Walz(DFL)
vs.Mayor Mike Murphy(R)
vs.State Sen.Scott Jensen(R)
vs.Michelle Benson(R)
vs.Paul Gazelka(R)
NE:
Incumbent Pete Ricketts(R,term-limited)
vs.U.S.Senator Bob Krist(R)
vs.Chuck Herbster(R)
vs.Jim Pillen(R)
vs.Brett Lindstrom(R)
vs.Carol Blood(D)
vs.State Sen. Theresa Thibodeau(R)
NH:
Incumbent Chris Sununu(R)
vs.Dan Feltes(D)
vs.Karen Testerman(R)
vs.Dr.Tom Sherman(D)
NM:
Incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham(D)
vs.Commissioner Jay Block(R)
vs.State Rep.Rebecca Dow(R)
vs.Mark Ronchetti(R)
NV:
Incumbent Steve Sisolak(D)
vs.A.G.Adam Laxalt(R)
vs.North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee(R)
vs.Dean Heller(R)
vs.Joe Lombardo(R)
vs.Mayor Michele Fiore(R)
NY:
Incumbent Andrew Cuomo(D,resigned)
vs.Acting Gov.Kathy Hochul(D)
vs.Joe Pinion(R)
vs.Rob Astorino(R)
vs.Andrew Giuliani(R)
vs.US.Rep.Lee Zeldin(R)
vs.Tom Suozzi(D)
vs.Attorney General Letitia James(D)
OH:
Incumbent Mike DeWine(R)
vs.Former Rep.Jim Renacci(R)
vs.Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley(D)
vs.Mayor John Cranley(D)
OK:
Incumbent Kevin Stitt(R)
vs.State Sen. Ervin Yen(R)
vs.Connie Johnson(D)
vs.Joy Hofmeister(D)
vs.Natalie Bruno(L)
OR:
Incumbent Kate Brown(D,term-limited)
vs.Gov. nominee Bud Pierce(R)
vs.Paul Romero(R)
vs.Casey Kulla(D)
vs.Kerry McQuisten(R)
vs.Tina Kotek(D)
vs.Nicholas Kristof(D)
vs.Tobias Read(D)
vs.State Rep. Christine Drazan(R)
vs.Julian Bell(D)
PA:
Incumbent Tom Wolf(D,term-limited)
vs.U.S.Rep. Lou Barletta(R)
vs.Commissioner Joe Gale(R)
vs.A.G.Josh Shapiro(D)
vs.William McSwain(R)
vs.U.S.Rep.Melissa Hart(R)
vs.State Sen.Scott Martin(R)
vs.State Sen. Scott Martin(R)
vs.State Sen. Doug Mastriano(R)
RI:
Incumbent Gina Raimondo(D,to Cabinet)
vs.Gov. Dan McKee(D)
vs.Ashley Kalus(R)
vs.Mayor Allan Fung(R)
vs.Secy.Matt Brown(D)
vs.Luis-Daniel Munoz(D)
vs.RI Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea(D)
vs.Seth Magainer(D)
vs.Helena Foulkes(D)
SC:
Incumbent Henry McMaster(R)
vs.US.Rep.Joe Cunningham(D)
vs.State senator Mia McLeod(D)
SD:
Incumbent Kristi Noem(R)
vs.State Rep. Billie Sutton(? D)
vs.Speaker Steven Haugaard(R)
vs.Jamie R. Smith(D)
TN:
Incumbent Bill Lee(R)
vs.Jason Martin(D)
vs.Carnita Atwater(D)
vs.J B Smiley(D)
TX:
Incumbent Greg Abbott(R)
vs.Beto O`Rourke(D)
vs.Chad Prather(R)
vs.State Sen.Don Huffines(R)
vs.U.S.Rep. Allen West(R)
vs.Deirdre Gilbert(D)
VT:
Incumbent Phil Scott(R)
vs.Brenda Siegel(D)
WI:
Incumbent Tony Evers(D)
vs.Tim Michels(R)
vs.CEO Jonathan Wichmann(R)
vs.Rebecca Kleefisch(R)
vs.State Rep. Timothy Ramthun(R)
WY:
Incumbent Mark Gordon(R)
vs.Theresa Livingstone(D)
vs.Rex Rammell(R)
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[Title9]
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