Comparing stances: Noteworthy presidential candidates on abortion
In this week’s feature comparing the four noteworthy presidential candidates’ stances on key issues, we’re looking at what the candidates say about abortion. As a reminder, to be considered noteworthy in the general election, candidates must appear on enough ballots to win a majority of the Electoral College.
In the past few weeks, we’ve also briefed our Brew readers on the candidates’ stances on China, DACA and Dreamers, policing, and coronavirus recovery.
Joe Biden (D)
Joe Biden’s campaign website states, “As president, Biden will work to codify Roe v. Wade, and his Justice Department will do everything in its power to stop the rash of state laws that so blatantly violate the constitutional right to an abortion, such as so-called TRAP laws, parental notification requirements, mandatory waiting periods, and ultrasound requirements. Biden will reissue guidance specifying that states cannot refuse Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood and other providers that refer for abortions or provide related information and reverse the Trump Administration’s rule preventing Planned Parenthood and certain other family planning programs from obtaining Title X funds. Biden will rescind the Mexico City Policy (also referred to as the global gag rule) that President Trump reinstated and expanded.”
Howie Hawkins (G)
Howie Hawkins’ campaign website states, “I support the legal framework established in the Roe v. Wade decision. During the first trimester, it is up to the pregnant woman to decide whether to get an abortion. During the second trimester laws can only regulate abortion to protect the health of the mother. During the third trimester, or after fetal viability pursuant to Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992), laws can restrict or prohibit abortions except in cases where it was necessary to protect the mother’s health. This framework should be codified into federal law by an act of Congress. I oppose targeted regulation of abortion clinics and providers through laws or policies that go beyond what is necessary to ensure patients’ safety. I support laws that allow physicians as well as non-physician health professionals, including physicians’ assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives, to perform abortion procedures.
Jo Jorgensen (L)
Jo Jorgensen’s campaign website states, “Keep the government out of it, no subsidies, no regulations.”
Donald Trump (R)
Donald Trump’s campaign website states, “The President has kept the promises he made in 2016 to the pro-life community and has delivered unprecedented victories for the pro-life movement: He took executive action to stop taxpayer money from flowing to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion business in the country. He reinstated and expanded the ban on Americans’ tax dollars paying for abortions in foreign countries. He is standing with the Catholic nuns known as the Little Sisters of the Poor, defending them from Obama-era regulations forcing them to violate their religious beliefs by providing health insurance that covers abortifacients.”
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