Top leaders in Massachusetts often support the state’s abortion laws, which are generally more liberal than other states. However, there still remain differences of opinion on abortion issues from pro-life advocates and political candidates.
Here are quotes on the difficult issue of abortion.
“I came to believe that decisions about a woman’s reproductive health should be left between the woman, her family, her doctor, and her faith. This issue is one that is intensely personal and I made the decision 30 years ago that I could not and should not impose my religious beliefs on others.”
— Massachusetts Sen. Edward Markey, the Boston Globe, 2013
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Republican Gov. Charlie Baker made it clear that he was for safe access to abortion services while he was a gubernatorial candidate in 2014 and the state was designing a new buffer zone law for safety measures surrounding abortion clinics.
“I have always supported a women’s right to safe, unimpeded access to healthcare services which is why I supported the state’s buffer zone law. I urge legislators to act swiftly on this important legislation to protect women’s rights and personal safety in a manner that honors the first amendment and withstands judicial scrutiny.”
— Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, WBUR News, July 2014
Pro-life supporters, however, complained that buffer zone laws prohibit free speech for people who want to help women, according to LifeNews.com.
“Planned Parenthood employs a huge number of people in the state who all drone on about their abuse by pro-lifers. No legislator picked up on the pro-lifers’ demands for pictures or videos of the alleged incidents.”
— Anne Fox of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, LifeNews.com.
“The decision to terminate a pregnancy is not easy for any woman, but it is a decision that only she can make. A woman should be able to seek guidance from people she trusts, including her doctor and her priest, pastor, rabbi or other religious leader, without interference from the government.”
— Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Political Guide
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However, there are Democrats in the generally liberal state that support pro-life political candidates.
“I am proud of them for their advocacy for the whole life position. We know we can count on them to stand up for the unborn and all those who need assistance in our great state.”
— Jack Cahalan, a spokesman for the Democrats for Life chapter in Massachusetts, when the national organization endorsed pro-life Democrats in 2014
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