Phil Scott on Abortion

	Phil Scott on Abortion

Enshrine reproductive rights in Vermont's constitution

Both Scott and Siegel support a measure to enshrine reproductive rights in Vermont's constitution that will appear on the November ballot as Article 22. But while questions about abortion highlighted commonalities between the candidates, they also showcased their many differences.

Siegel argued being "pro-choice is not enough for this moment." Vermont needs updated extradition laws to protect women who come to the state to seek abortion care, she said, as well as their providers.

She also bemoaned Governor Phil Scott's administration's "wait-and-see" approach.

His retort was short: "I believe in a woman's right to choose. I believe it's between her and her health care provider. And I believe in freedom and liberty and we'll just leave it at that," he said.

Source: VT Digger on 2022 Vermont Gubernatorial race , Sep 16, 2022

Abortion isn't a black-and-white issue, but I'm pro-choice

I consider myself "pro-choice, but with restrictions." I do not see abortion issues as simple black-and-white decisions, however, and I'm sure that most women who have ever considered having an abortion themselves feel the same way. Because of my beliefs, I find it impossible to answer the questions in [the Planned Parenthood] survey with a simple "yes" or "no."

But I do want to let people know how I tend to approach these issues. I believe that family planning services are an essential part of our health care system. In our current economic situation, systemwide reductions in health care spending may be necessary to balance budgets, but I would not support cuts directed at family planning services.

I do support a woman's right to choose; however, I do not believe it needs to be a "blank check" in order to be effective. I do not support partial-birth abortion, because I believe there are many options available to terminate a pregnancy well before that stage of development.

Source: Planned Parenthood survey on 2016 Vermont gubernatorial race , Mar 15, 2012

No taxpayer funding for abortion; but ok for family planning

I am very aware that not all Vermonters share my pro-choice views; therefore, I do not believe that abortions should be funded with taxpayer dollars. Just as important as protecting a woman's right to choose, is respecting others" right to oppose abortion for religious or personal reasons. Using public funds to support something that many people strongly disagree with is not an appropriate public policy. But I would not support cuts directed specifically and only at family planning services. Source: Planned Parenthood survey on 2016 Vermont gubernatorial race , Mar 15, 2012

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*Other governors on Abortion:*			*Phil Scott on other issues:*
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