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Bill Richardson on Abortion and Birth Control
This candidate has withdrawn from the election
I have always supported women's reproductive rights - and when I'm President I will continue to fight for a woman's right to choose.
I am pro-choice and will continue to support abortion rights and medical privacy for women. I am the only candidate explicitly committing to appoint only judges who consider Roe v. Wade settled law.
If he were president, Democrat Bill Richardson said he would ask potential Supreme Court nominees about their view on abortion and reject those who believe Roe v. Wade should be overturned. Presidents typically say they don't ask potential justices about their views on specific cases, but Richardson said Friday that he would make an exception for the landmark 1973 case, which legalized abortions nationally. "I know I am going to upset some people, but this is what I would ask them," said Richardson. "I would say, 'Do you believe that Roe vs Wade is settled law?' If they say yes, they have a good chance of being picked. If they say no I will not pick them."
On March 28, NM Gov. Richardson signed the "Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Care Act" into law, mandating that hospitals provide rape survivors with information about, and access to, emergency contraceptives.
I have always supported women's reproductive rights - and when I'm President I will continue to fight for a woman's right to choose. As Governor, I opposed waiting periods on abortions, which would unfairly restrict women's choices. I have also signed a bill that allows hospitals to provide emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted. New Mexico also funds health centers that provide a full range of information - including info on contraception and abortion. Our goal must be to reduce unwanted pregnancy and that means offering the broadest range of choices.
"Today the Supreme Court took a dangerous step backward in regard to Americans' rights to personal choice and privacy," said Governor Richardson. "In doing so, the Court disregarded the opinion of experienced and respected medical professionals who oppose the ban because there are no exceptions protecting women's health. While not unexpected, I believe this unfortunate decision is a clear signal that the Supreme Court is opening the door to further challenges to personal medical decisions between patients and doctors that should not involve the government." Governor Richardson has consistently opposed any attempt to limit women's reproductive rights, and as a Congressman voted against similar proposed bans and restrictions on a number of occasions. "I am concerned, as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg stated so clearly in her dissenting opinion, that this vote could be the beginning of an effort to chip away a right declared again and again by this court," added the Governor.
Voted NO on the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban.
I am pro-choice and will continue to support abortion rights and medical privacy for women. I am the only candidate explicitly committing to appoint only judges who consider Roe v. Wade settled law.
I am pro-choice and will continue to support abortion rights and medical privacy for women. I am the only candidate explicitly committing to appoint only judges who consider Roe v. Wade settled law.
I have always supported women's reproductive rights - and when I'm President I will continue to fight for a woman's right to choose. As Governor, I opposed waiting periods on abortions, which would unfairly restrict women's choices. I have also signed a bill that allows hospitals to provide emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted. New Mexico also funds health centers that provide a full range of information - including info on contraception and abortion. Our goal must be to reduce unwanted pregnancy and that means offering the broadest range of choices.
Bill Richardson believes birth control should be available regardless of income, and states should not limit women's access by allowing pharmacies to refuse to fill legal prescriptions. Insurance programs should cover prescription drugs or devices approved by the Food and Drug Administration, including birth control, the single highest out‑of‑pocket medical cost for women of child bearing age.
I have always supported women's reproductive rights - and when I'm President I will continue to fight for a woman's right to choose. As Governor, I opposed waiting periods on abortions, which would unfairly restrict women's choices. I have also signed a bill that allows hospitals to provide emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted. New Mexico also funds health centers that provide a full range of information - including info on contraception and abortion. Our goal must be to reduce unwanted pregnancy and that means offering the broadest range of choices.
Voted YES on Non-Federally Funded Abortions Amendment. (07/22/1996)
Indicated SUPPORT for the following question: "Would you support the Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act which would create a federal grant program to channel money to states that choose to teach comprehensive and age‐appropriate sex education for America's students that includes science‐based prevention methods?"
Indicated SUPPORT for the following question: "Would you support the Responsible Education About Life (REAL) Act which would create a federal grant program to channel money to states that choose to teach comprehensive and age‐appropriate sex education for America's students that includes science‐based prevention methods?"