Issue Position: Abortion

Issue Position

My perspective on abortion and the perspective which will guide my decisions in Lansing is as follows: An abortion is a truly sad event. For the mother having made the decision to terminate the pregnancy the time before, during, and after the procedure is deeply painful for her physically, mentally, and emotionally. We all wished we lived in a world without these sad events. Whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, we have the same vision: A world without the sad phenomenon known as abortion. I have a three pronged strategy to make that vision a reality.

1) First, I pledge to propose a heavy crackdown on rape and incest so that convicted rapists and child sex criminals receive double, triple, or even quadruple the sentences for their crimes. Further, I believe that state and perhaps even local law enforcement agencies should focus more resources on preventing rape, incest and all sexual assaults. I would entertain a proposal to create a division in these agencies that deal specifically with these crimes. I believe that these steps in the long run will make it so costly to commit rape or sexual assault in Michigan and also make it so difficult with law enforcement working harder to prevent these crimes that we can see as close to 0 abortions brought on by rape and incest down the road.

2) I pledge to vote for responsible economic policies so that we see a healthy medical technology market where we are investing in developing new cutting edge medical technologies. I expect that with strong, responsible policy at both the state and federal level, as well as an innovative medical technology sector, future generations will have the best medical technologies so that we will see nearly 0 abortions brought on by medical complications during pregnancy. Further, the promotion of medical research and push for promotion of Michigan's medical technology investment market will allow us to develop the ability to prevent and deal with complications during pregnancy so that mothers are safe and supported throughout the period of her pregnancy and can deliver healthy babies. I will push for these things with a vision towards reducing and perhaps in later generations eliminating abortions brought on by medical complications and brought on by dangers to the life of the mother.

3) Lastly and perhaps the most difficult of the three strategies concerns those abortions which are brought about by engaging in sex without intending to get pregnant; The abortions that are most commonly employed by young teens, women with limited socio-economic means, and those women who are not involved in steady relationships, or who engage in sex with multiple partners. These "unwanted pregnancies" tend to come from situations where there is not a strong family unit. A strong family unit requires emotional and financial stability. The only way to eliminate these abortions is to have strong Michigan families that look after their kids, and instill strong values in them. Strong families remain strong and intact only when they have financial stability and emotional stability. Financial stability is only possible when rewarding, fulfilling and decent paying jobs are available. These jobs are available only if the Legislature and the Federal government make strong policy decisions and responsible policy decisions so that we have a strong economy where jobs are available or where an entrepreneur has the opportunity to start his or her own business. I pledge to do my part to make sure that the Legislature is crafting good, sound policy that allows for strong Michigan family units to thrive, that allows our economy to thrive, and that provides safe neighborhoods. These are the ingredients and the steps we must take, I believe, if we are to make progress towards reducing and ultimately eliminating abortions caused by "unwanted pregnancies" for generations to come.

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