State of Mississippi Archives: on Abortion


Tate Reeves: Abortion services elective and unnecessary during pandemic

Reeves promised to take action against his state's lone abortion clinic if it continues to provide abortions during the coronavirus pandemic. Reeves, who has worked for years to limit and end abortion in Mississippi, said that he considers abortion elective and unnecessary. "We're doing everything in our power, and have for many years, to make Mississippi the safest place in America for unborn children," he said.
Source: USA Today on 2023 Mississippi gubernatorial race Mar 25, 2020

Tate Reeves: Our commitment to pro-life values must never waver

We have worked hard in Mississippi to make this the safest state in the country for our innocent unborn children. This is noble and it is essential. Our commitment to our pro-life values must never waver.
Source: 2020 Mississippi State of the State address Jan 27, 2020

Chris McDaniel: Voted for "heartbeat bill": abortion ban after 15 weeks

In March, Gov. Bryant signed the "heartbeat bill" into law, banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can come as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The law does not allow exceptions for rape or incest.

The law is being challenged in federal court by the Center for Reproductive Rights. Mississippi has been in a similar position before. Last year, Bryant signed a 15-week abortion ban into law. After an emergency hearing, the law was ruled unconstitutional and blocked from taking effect.

Attorney General Jim Hood recently filed papers on behalf of the state, appealing the ruling. So, now, both the 15-week ban and the heartbeat bill are in court.

Of the legislation, Gov. Bryant previously said, "We think this is showing the profound respect and desire of Mississippians to protect the sanctity of that unborn life whenever possible."

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 81-36-2, Feb. 13; passed Senate 34-14-4, Feb. 13; Sen. Chris McDaniel voted YES.

Source: Clarion-Ledger on Mississippi voting records: HB 732 May 20, 2019

Jim Hood: Defends "heartbeat bill": abortion ban after 15 weeks

In March, Gov. Phil Bryant signed the "heartbeat bill" into law, banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can come as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The law does not allow exceptions for rape or incest.

The law is being challenged in federal court by the Center for Reproductive Rights. Mississippi has been in a similar position before. Last year, Bryant signed a 15-week abortion ban into law. After an emergency hearing, the law was ruled unconstitutional and blocked from taking effect.

Attorney General Jim Hood recently filed papers on behalf of the state, appealing the ruling. So, now, both the 15-week ban and the heartbeat bill are in court.

Of the legislation, Gov. Bryant previously said, "We think this is showing the profound respect and desire of Mississippians to protect the sanctity of that unborn life whenever possible."

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 81-36-2, Feb. 13; passed Senate 34-14-4, Feb. 13.

Source: Clarion-Ledger on Mississippi voting records: HB 732 May 20, 2019

Phil Bryant: Signed "heartbeat bill": abortion ban after 15 weeks

In March, Gov. Phil Bryant signed the "heartbeat bill" into law, banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can come as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The law does not allow exceptions for rape or incest.

The law is being challenged in federal court by the Center for Reproductive Rights. Mississippi has been in a similar position before. Last year, Bryant signed a 15-week abortion ban into law. After an emergency hearing, the law was ruled unconstitutional and blocked from taking effect.

Of the legislation, Bryant previously said, "We think this is showing the profound respect and desire of Mississippians to protect the sanctity of that unborn life whenever possible. It also protects, we believe, the physical and mental health of the mother. We here in Mississippi believe in protecting and defending the whole life of that child."

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 81-36-2, Feb. 13; passed Senate 34-14-4, Feb. 13.

Source: Clarion-Ledger on Mississippi voting records: HB 732 May 20, 2019

Robert Foster: Voted for "heartbeat bill": abortion ban after 15 weeks

In March, Gov. Bryant signed the "heartbeat bill" into law, banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can come as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The law does not allow exceptions for rape or incest.

The law is being challenged in federal court by the Center for Reproductive Rights. Mississippi has been in a similar position before. Last year, Bryant signed a 15-week abortion ban into law. After an emergency hearing, the law was ruled unconstitutional and blocked from taking effect.

Attorney General Jim Hood recently filed papers on behalf of the state, appealing the ruling. So, now, both the 15-week ban and the heartbeat bill are in court.

Of the legislation, Gov. Bryant previously said, "We think this is showing the profound respect and desire of Mississippians to protect the sanctity of that unborn life whenever possible."

Legislative Outcome:Passed House 81-36-2, Feb. 13; Rep. Robert Foster voted YES; passed Senate 34-14-4, Feb. 13.

Source: Clarion-Ledger on Mississippi voting records: HB 732 May 20, 2019

Bill Waller: Pro-life; and healthcare is a right-to-life issue

With the first primary debate scheduled for next week, the picture may start to fill in. Waller told the Daily Journal that he's pro-life and "socially conservative." He lent his voice in support of a bill signed last week by Gov. Phil Bryant to virtually ban abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected.

Waller showed a willingness, however, to cast his pro-life identification on a wider scale. "I think access to healthcare in a related way is also a right to life issue," Waller said. "County seats traditionally have some type of front line medical care with a hospital and an emergency room and that is something I think we've got to preserve."

Source: Tupelo Daily Journal on 2019 Mississippi governor's race Mar 26, 2019

Robert Foster: Protect all innocent life, including unborn children

Strong on Pro-Life: Robert is a Christian and believes in protecting all innocent life, including the lives of unborn children. He has a solid pro-life voting record in the state legislature and has pushed to further protect the lives of the unborn by authoring a heart-beat bill that would ban abortion in our state after a heart-beat can be detected.
Source: 2019 Mississippi governor campaign website Foster4MS.com Dec 31, 2018

Phil Bryant: No abortion after 15 weeks of gestation, with no exceptions

[2019 Gubernatorial candidate Robert] Foster, who is Baptist, touts his status as a "strong Christian and balanced conservative voice," and his record of supporting anti-abortion legislation is sure to endear him to evangelicals. In March, Foster was one of the co-authors who introduced House Bill 1510, the Gestational Age Act, which prohibits abortions after 15 weeks even in the cases of rape and incest. Gov. Phil Bryant signed it into law in March, but a federal court struck it down on Nov. 20.
Source: Jackson Free Press on Mississippi voting record: HB1510 Dec 10, 2018

Robert Foster: No abortion after 15 weeks of gestation, with no exceptions

[2019 Gubernatorial candidate Robert] Foster, who is Baptist, touts his status as a "strong Christian and balanced conservative voice," and his record of supporting anti-abortion legislation is sure to endear him to evangelicals. In March, Foster was one of the co-authors who introduced House Bill 1510, the Gestational Age Act, which prohibits abortions after 15 weeks even in the cases of rape and incest. Gov. Phil Bryant signed it into law in March, but a federal court struck it down on Nov. 20.
Source: Jackson Free Press on Mississippi voting record: HB1510 Dec 10, 2018

Chris McDaniel: Repeatedly authored legislation to protect the unborn

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Mike Espy (D): Legal. "I'm anti-abortion, but I'm pro-choice." "Women should have the basic right to make their own decisions."

Cindy Hyde-Smith (R): Ban. "100% pro-life."

Chris McDaniel (R): Ban. Has authored repeated "legislation to protect the unborn." Voted to ban abortions after 15 weeks.

Q: Healthcare: Allow Planned Parenthood to receive public funds for non-abortion health services?

Mike Espy (D): Probable yes. Says will fight for women's rights & reproductive health care. including the availability of medical services.

Cindy Hyde-Smith (R): No. Opposes public funds going toward family planning services at healthcare organizations that also provide abortions.

Chris McDaniel (R): No. "Defund Planned Parenthood." Doesn't matter that their clinic doesn't offer abortion, because their money is fungible.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org: Mississippi legislative voting records Oct 9, 2018

David Baria: Keep abortion & contraception safe, legal & woman's choice

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

David Baria (D): Legal. Keep safe, legal & woman's choice. Could support reasonable restrictions on late-term abortions if exceptions for rape, incest, mother's health & viability of the fetus.

Roger Wicker (R): Ban. Introduced bill to declare that constitutional right to life begins at moment of fertilization. In 2011, said "Roe v Wade has led to a 3-&-a-half decades-long holocaust."

Q: Contraception: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage if disagree with it?

Baria: No specific stand, but strong general supporter of women's access to contraception.

Wicker: Yes. "The federal government doesn't have the right to force Americans to violate their faith."

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?

Baria: Yes. Allow continued funding. "Women should have access to the best healthcare available."

Wicker: No. Signed on to Supreme Court brief arguing for defunding.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Roger Wicker: Roe v Wade has led to a decades-long holocaust

Q: Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

David Baria (D): Legal. Keep safe, legal & woman's choice. Could support reasonable restrictions on late-term abortions if exceptions for rape, incest, mother's health & viability of the fetus.

Roger Wicker (R): Ban. Introduced bill to declare that constitutional right to life begins at moment of fertilization. In 2011, said "Roe v Wade has led to a 3-&-a-half decades-long holocaust."

Q: Contraception: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage if disagree with it?

Baria: No specific stand, but strong general supporter of women's access to contraception.

Wicker: Yes. "The federal government doesn't have the right to force Americans to violate their faith."

Q: Let Planned Parenthood receive public funds for non-abortion health care?

Baria: Yes. Allow continued funding. "Women should have access to the best healthcare available."

Wicker: No. Signed on to Supreme Court brief arguing for defunding.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race Oct 9, 2018

David Baria: Pro-choice

Q: Do you generally support pro-choice or pro-life legislation?

A: Pro-choice

Source: VoteSmart Mississippi 2018 Political Courage Test Jul 4, 2018

Phil Bryant: Ban abortions after 15 weeks, even if rape or incest

Legislative Summary: HB1510: The Gestational Age Act; to enact definitions; to prohibit abortions after 15 weeks' gestation.

Analysis by Y'all Politics blog: The bill would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks, with only few life-threatening exceptions. Typical viability, at its earliest, is close to 23 weeks, according the Mississippi State Department of Health. Unusual for this type of legislation, it does not include an exception for rape or incest.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 35-14-3 on Mar/6/18; Passed House 76-34-10 on Mar/18/18; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Mar/19/18

Source: Y'all Politics blog on Mississippi voting record HB1510 Mar 19, 2018

Robert Foster: Ban abortions after 15 weeks, even if rape or incest

Legislative Summary: HB1510: The Gestational Age Act; to enact definitions; to prohibit abortions after 15 weeks' gestation.

Analysis by Y'all Politics blog: The bill would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks, with only few life-threatening exceptions. Typical viability, at its earliest, is close to 23 weeks, according the Mississippi State Department of Health. Unusual for this type of legislation, it does not include an exception for rape or incest.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 35-14-3 on Mar/6/18; Passed House 76-34-10 on Mar/18/18; State Rep. Robert Foster voted YES; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Mar/19/18

Source: Y'all Politics blog on Mississippi voting record HB1510 Mar 18, 2018

Chris McDaniel: Ban abortions after 15 weeks, even if rape or incest

Legislative Summary: HB1510: The Gestational Age Act; to enact definitions; to prohibit abortions after 15 weeks' gestation.

Analysis by Y'all Politics blog: The bill would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks, with only few life-threatening exceptions. Typical viability, at its earliest, is close to 23 weeks, according the Mississippi State Department of Health. Unusual for this type of legislation, it does not include an exception for rape or incest.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 35-14-3 on Mar/6/18; State Sen. Chris McDaniel voted YES; Passed House 76-34-10 on Mar/18/18; Signed by Governor Phil Bryant on Mar/19/18

Source: Y'all Politics blog on Mississippi voting record HB1510 Mar 6, 2018

Phil Bryant: Make Mississippi safest place in America for an unborn child

After a heated floor debate, the Senate passed a bill 35-14˙to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, bringing the state one step closer to enacting the most restrictive abortion ban in the country. In a statement Gov. Bryant reiterated his support for the measure.

"I have repeatedly said, I want Mississippi to be the safest place in America for an unborn child," Bryant said. "House Bill 1510 will help us achieve that goal, and I encourage the House to pass it and look forward to signing it.

Source: Clarion Ledger on Mississippi voting record: HB 1510 Mar 6, 2018

Tate Reeves: Ban abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy

After a heated floor debate, the Senate passed a bill 35-14˙to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, bringing the state one step closer to enacting the most restrictive abortion ban in the country. Lt. Gov. Tate˙Reeves [supported the bill, saying] "Mississippians are committed to protecting the lives of unborn children, and this law will be a major step in accomplishing that goal. I am committed to making Mississippi the safest place in America for an unborn child."
Source: Clarion Ledger on Mississippi voting record: HB 1510 Mar 6, 2018

Jensen Bohren: Women should have same body autonomy as men

It is astounding that, even in this day and age, women do not enjoy the same respect, pay rate, or body autonomy of men. As the oft-repeated refrain states, "Women's rights are human rights."
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 Mississippi Senate race Dec 31, 2017

Trent Kelly: Planned Parenthood is breaking the law; defund them

I was speechless after seeing the videos of Planned Parenthood officials flippantly describing how the organization sells body parts from aborted children. The commentaries in the videos by the Planned Parenthood officials on the horrific procedures used to harvest organs indicate that they are in clear violation of the 1993 National Institute of Health Revitalization Act. The law explicitly states no alteration of the timing or procedures used to terminate a pregnancy can be made solely for the purpose of obtaining the tissue. The lack of compassion for human life does nothing to help the advancement of health care for women and highlights what we have always known--Planned Parenthood's interest is making money.

We cannot allow Planned Parenthood's actions to continue. This week, I called on the Department of Justice to investigate criminal claims against Planned Parenthood. Cutting off the funding for Planned Parenthood might not end abortions in this country, but it is a start.

Source: 2015-16 House campaign website KellyForMississippi.com Jul 30, 2015

Chris McDaniel: Human life begins at conception

Question topic: Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.

McDaniel: Strongly Agree

Question topic: Should abortion be allowed under extenuating circumstances? If so, what circumstances?

McDaniel: Only in the case where the mother's life is at risk.

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Mississippi Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Chris McDaniel: Require doctor's prescription to get an abortion

Chris McDaniel voted Yea on Passage of SB 2795: Requiring Physicians to Administer Abortion Prescriptions (Bill Passed Senate, 39-12).
Source: VoteSmart summary of Mississippi 2013-2014 voting records Feb 14, 2013

Chris McDaniel: Unborn children are children

The Center for Pregnancy Choices of South Central Mississippi hosted a luncheon to help bring awareness to Mississippi's Personhood Amendment. State Sen. McDaniel spoke at the event and called the Center for Pregnancy Choices a "godsend."

"They are amazing," he said. "They are on the front lines in the fight for life. They're out there letting people know there are other options aside from just aborting the child."

McDaniel said he favors the Personhood Amendment and anything else that promotes the pro-life message. "It's important to discuss it so everyone can understand it," he said. "I hope one day it leads to a culture that embraces life."

McDaniel said that millions of children have been aborted since the passage of Roe vs. Wade in 1973. "Unborn children are children," he said. "They're human beings and should be protected by law."

Amendment 26 would outlaw abortion, human cloning, embryo stem cell research, and other forms of "medical cannibalism."

Source: Mississippi 2014 Senate campaign website senatormcdaniel.com Jun 4, 2011

Haley Barbour: We made MS the safest state for an unborn child

I am proud of Mississippi [on abortion issues]: in 2004, my first year, after we worked together to enact comprehensive pro-life legislation, Americans United for Life, a national right-to-life organization, named Mississippi "the safest state in America for an unborn child."
Source: 2011 Mississippi State of the State Address Jan 11, 2011

Chris McDaniel: Prohibit ObamaCare insurance exchange coverage for abortion

SB3214: Health care exchange plans; prohibit use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions in Mississippi.

Summary by Center for Reproductive Rights [a pro-choice group]: Mississippi responded to [ObamaCare] by passing a bill (SB 3214) that bars any insurer from offering insurance coverage for abortion in the state exchange, except when the woman's life is endangered by "a physical disorder, physical illness or physical injury" or in cases of rape or incest. The legislature was so eager to pass this bill that it circumvented its own bill introduction deadlines and procedural rules to do so.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 75-32-15, Apr/24/10; Passed Senate 47-0-5, Apr/23/10; State Senator Chris McDaniel voted YES; Signed by Governor Haley Barbour May/25/10

Source: CRR on Mississippi legislative voting record SB3214 May 25, 2010

Cindy Hyde-Smith: Prohibit ObamaCare insurance exchange coverage for abortion

SB3214: Health care exchange plans; prohibit use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions in Mississippi.

Summary by Center for Reproductive Rights [a pro-choice group]: Mississippi responded to [ObamaCare] by passing a bill (SB 3214) that bars any insurer from offering insurance coverage for abortion in the state exchange, except when the woman's life is endangered by "a physical disorder, physical illness or physical injury" or in cases of rape or incest. The legislature was so eager to pass this bill that it circumvented its own bill introduction deadlines and procedural rules to do so.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 75-32-15, Apr/24/10; Passed Senate 47-0-5, Apr/23/10; State Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith voted YES; Signed by Governor Haley Barbour May/25/10

Source: CRR on Mississippi legislative voting record SB3214 May 25, 2010

Haley Barbour: Prohibit ObamaCare insurance exchange coverage for abortion

SB3214: Health care exchange plans; prohibit use of federal funds to pay for elective abortions in Mississippi.

Summary by Center for Reproductive Rights [a pro-choice group]: Mississippi responded to [ObamaCare] by passing a bill (SB 3214) that bars any insurer from offering insurance coverage for abortion in the state exchange, except when the woman's life is endangered by "a physical disorder, physical illness or physical injury" or in cases of rape or incest. The legislature was so eager to pass this bill that it circumvented its own bill introduction deadlines and procedural rules to do so.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 75-32-15, Apr/24/10; Passed Senate 47-0-5, Apr/23/10; Signed by Governor Haley Barbour May/25/10

Source: CRR on Mississippi legislative voting record SB3214 May 25, 2010

  • The above quotations are from State of Mississippi Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Abortion.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2020 Presidential contenders on Abortion:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN) 		Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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