State of Maryland Archives: on Abortion


Arvin Vohra: Government has no business being involved in abortion

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: Support. I do not support abortion, or consider it a good idea. However, I do not believe the government has any business being involved. While I would personally advise against abortions, I do not support any government restrictions on abortion of any kind.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Senate candidate Mar 30, 2018

Ashwani Jain: I believe in reproductive rights and reproductive justice

I believe in reproductive rights and reproductive justice. Specifically, all women, girls, and other gender variant people--regardless of their zip code, identity or economic status--should have safe, affordable access to the healthcare they need. This includes abortion care, gender affirming horomone replacement therapy and contraceptive coverage--which should all be treated like other forms of healthcare and should be fully accessible and covered for anyone who needs it.
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

Ben Jealous: Supports legislation protecting Planned Parenthood funding

Ben Jealous released the following statement in reaction to Larry Hogan's refusal to take a position on Donald Trump's potential selection of a Supreme Court Justice and called on Hogan to ensure Maryland's reproductive healthcare laws remain unchanged regardless of what happens at the federal level. Jealous also criticized Hogan's troubling record on reproductive health throughout his career, including refusing to sign legislation that would protect Planned Parenthood funding and prior advocacy for banning abortions even in cases of rape or incest.

Jealous said, "Hogan needs to publicly affirm that he will not take any action to undermine Maryland's law protecting a woman's right to choose. Given Hogan refused to sign legislation protecting Planned Parenthood funding, and his prior advocacy to ban abortions even in cases of rape or incest, we have every reason to be concerned about his commitment to protecting our current laws."

Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial website BenJealous.com Jul 3, 2018

Ben Jealous: Supports Planned Parenthood and barrier-free services

Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Hogan: Legal. Personally opposes abortion, but declares the subject settled & will not try to change Maryland's laws protecting woman's rights.

Jealous: Legal. "If we increase barriers to abortion & family planning services, women will see their health compromised, & all of our families will suffer."

Contraception: Employers can withhold contraceptive coverage if they disagree?

Hogan: No. Signed expansive birth control insurance bill.

Jealous: No. Criticizes Hogan for leaving out state employees in bill expanding insurance contraception coverage.

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

Hogan: Unclear. Allowed bill to protect Planned Parenthood health services to go into law without his signature.

Jealous: Yes. Supports Planned Parenthood. Include women's health services as part of Medicare for All.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Benjamin Cardin: Support the expansion of embryonic stem cell research

I support the expansion of embryonic stem cell research, I voted to override the president’s veto, a bill that was bipartisan, worked out so that we could advance embryonic stem cell research. Steele supported Bush’s veto in that regard. So there’s a major difference between the two of us on embryonic stem cell research.
Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006

Benjamin Cardin: Make sure there is no human cloning

We do have a responsibility to make sure there is no cloning. Congress has passed some bills that I have supported that deal with human cloning. That’s not acceptable. That goes beyond the range. But when you’re talking about embryos that are otherwise going to be discarded, the bill that was worked out in Congress, there’s no financial reward to the donors. These are embryos that otherwise are going to be discarded. These are the stem cells that we’re talking about.
Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006

Benjamin Cardin: Parents should be notified on abortion choices in most cases

Q: Should a parent be notified that his or her daughter is having an abortion?

A: Parents should be involved in the decisions of their children. Absolutely. But there are some families where there has been abuse, there are some families where there’s been neglect, if there is proper protection in the law, then let’s take a look at it.

Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006

Benjamin Cardin: Expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research

Q: What about expanding federal funding for research using embryonic stem cells?

Cardin selected, "Support."

Cardin adds, "Stem cell research has the potential to help scientists make tremendous breakthroughs in medical innovation. I cosponsored legislation to promote stem cell research, and I applauded President Obama's March 2009 Executive Order overturning the Bush Administration's longstanding policy and allowing the responsible use of federal funds for embryonic stem cell research.:

Source: Your Candidates Your Health: 2012 Maryland Senate debates

Chris Chaffee: Not taking women's rights, returning rights to the UNBORN

The Light was brightened from above . 50 years of the Government pushed to kill 65 million unborn. We have turned it over to the state . But Maryland law makers want to make it worse . They burn churches smash windows but the light stays bright we must send the message to all that violence never works but will end you up in prison . We are not taken rights away from women we are returning the rights to the UNBORN.
Source: Facebook posting on 2022 Maryland Senate race Jul 25, 2022

Chris Van Hollen: Co-sponsored bill protecting right to travel for abortion

Senator Chris Van Hollen joined Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, Sheldon Whitehouse, Patty Murray, and Kirsten Gillibrand in introducing the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act of 2022. This legislation would make it crystal clear that it is illegal for anti-choice states to limit travel for abortion services and would empower the Attorney General and impacted individuals to bring civil action against those who restrict a woman's right to cross state lines to receive legal reproductive care.
Source: 2022 Maryland Senate campaign website VanHollen.Senate.Gov Jul 12, 2022

Chris Van Hollen: Fierce defender of a woman's right to reproductive choice

From his first days in the Maryland legislature to his current time in the Senate, Chris has been a recognized champion on issues vital for women and families. He is a staunch supporter of the Paycheck Protection Act to ensure equal pay for equal work and the Equal Rights Amendment. He is also a fierce defender of a woman's right to reproductive choice and an original sponsor of the Women's Health Protection Act.
Source: 2022 Maryland Senate campaign website VanHollen.org Jul 20, 2022

Dan Bongino: Opposes federal funding for embryonic stem cell research

Q: Do you support or oppose expanding federal funding for research using embryonic stem cells?

Bongino selected, "Oppose."

Source: Your Candidates Your Health: 2012 Maryland Senate debates Jun 15, 2012

Dan Cox: I am unashamedly 100% Pro-Life from conception to death

Protect our God-given individual rights of life, liberty and property, including Bill of Rights protected freedoms such as First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth amendments. The People must be free from overreaching and invasive government controls. Life, from conception to death, must be protected with utmost sincerity. I am unashamedly 100% Pro-Life.
Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website CoxForFreedom.com Apr 24, 2022

Dan Cox: Don't allow non-physicians to perform abortions

HB937: Establishing the Abortion Care Clinical Training Program in the Maryland Department of Health to ensure that there are a sufficient number of health professionals to provide abortion care.

Summary by Maryland Matters: House Bill 937, titled the Abortion Care Access Act, will expand who can perform abortions in the state to include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants. It will also provide $3.5 million in financial support to clinically train health care professionals to offer reproductive services.

Veto message : "House Bill 937 endangers the health and lives of women by allowing non-physicians to perform abortions. The bill risks lowering the high standard of reproductive health care services received by women in Maryland."

Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Governor Larry Hogan on Apr/8/2022; Veto Overridden by House 90-46-5 on Apr/9/2022; State Rep Dan Cox voted NO; Veto Overridden by Senate 29-15-3 on Apr/9/2022.

Source: Maryland Matters on Maryland voting records HB937 Apr 9, 2022

Dan Cox: Sponsored bills to severely restrict abortion access

While Hogan won statewide twice in Maryland by avoiding typical conservative messaging on issues such as abortion and guns, Cox took the opposite approach. As a delegate in Annapolis, he sponsored bills to severely restrict abortion access, expand access to guns and outlaw all kinds of future pandemic measures. None of those bills became law in a heavily Democratic General Assembly. The legislature would also be expected to block his attempts to implement such laws if he wins in November.
Source: Baltimore Sun on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Jul 20, 2022

Donna Edwards: Fought for abortion rights in community AND in Congress

Van Hollen said that being a straight, white man had not stopped him from standing up for the marginalized. He fought discrimination against gay workers, despite not being gay. He supported abortion rights against a female state senator who did not.

On abortion, Edwards said, there was "not a dime's worth of difference" between her and Van Hollen. But "I started working on these issues long before I started working in Congress," she said.

Source: Wash. Post coverage of 2016 Maryland Senate debate Mar 5, 2015

Doug Gansler: I have always fought for reproductive rights

I have always fought for reproductive rights throughout my career in public service and, as Governor, I stand ready to continue that fight should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade.
Source: Facebook posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Nov 29, 2021

Ian Schlakman: Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: Strongly support

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Aug 21, 2018

Jamie Raskin: Protect women's right to their own healthcare decisions

Protecting Women's Health Choices: In the Senate, Jamie has been a bold leader defending women's health choices and reproductive autonomy, most recently clashing with Senators trying to deny Medicaid funding for medically necessary abortions--a move that was defeated. He is 100% pro-choice and has been an indispensable ally of Maryland NARAL, Planned Parenthood, and the ACLU, which gave him its Henry Edgerton Civil Liberties Award for his unwavering defense of civil rights and civil liberties. In Congress, he will never back down from a fight to protect women's right to make their own healthcare decisions in consultation with their doctors. Please click here to read all about Jamie's proven record as an effective progressive leader on issues of particular importance to women.
Source: 2016 Maryland House campaign website JamieRaskin.com Nov 8, 2016

Maya Cummings: Emily's List endorsement

Policy consultant Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, one of two women vying to unseat Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R), received an endorsement Monday from Emily's List, a political action committee that pushes to elect Democratic female candidates who support abortion rights.
Source: The Washington Post on 2018 Maryland Governor race Oct 30, 2017

Kathy Szeliga: Valuing life begins with the unborn

Source: 2016 Campaign website for Maryland Senate, KathySzeliga.com Nov 11, 2015

Larry Hogan: Personally opposed but no effect since it's legally settled

"This is the most deceitful, most dishonest campaign that I have ever witnessed in my entire life," Hogan told reporters. He then called Brown a liar. "Each of Anthony Brown's campaign ads are completely false, and they are filled with absolute lies," Hogan said. Brown's TV ads zero in on social issues.

Hogan said he personally opposes abortion, but since the matter has been legally settled in Maryland, he will not, as governor, try to roll back the law. "Anthony Brown is running an ad that says that I oppose a women's right to choose, even in the case of rape and incest. That is an absolute lie. It's not my position now, and it's never been my position my entire life. Here are the facts. The facts are nothing will change on abortion with me as governor," Hogan said. "For him to try to scare women by misrepresenting and blatantly lying about me and my position is disgraceful."

Source: WBAL-TV AdWatch on 2014 Maryland gubernatorial race Sep 19, 2014

Larry Hogan: 1980s: ban abortions; 1992: don't overturn pro-choice laws

Half of [Hogan's supporters were] wearing pink Women for Hogan T-shirts--clearly intended as a visual counterpoint to a barrage of television ads from Brown and the Democratic Governors Association that seize on comments Hogan made in the early 1980s to portray him as someone who would seek to restrict access to abortion and birth control.

The Democrats' attack ads are based on Hogan comments from 1980 and 1981 in which he supported a ban on abortions except to save the life of the mother, as well as a "human life amendment" that would have barred abortions while possibly outlawing some forms of birth control. By 1992, Hogan had modified those positions and said abortion should remain legal.

Today Hogan says that he is still personally opposed to abortion, but he pledges he will not try to change Maryland's laws protecting women's rights to the procedure nor to limit access to contraception.

Brown's campaign manager contended , "Hogan just can't be trusted on women's health issues."

Source: Baltimore Sun AdWatch on 2014 Maryland gubernatorial race Oct 1, 2014

Larry Hogan: 1980: Bar all abortions in county hospitals

Throughout his life, Larry Hogan has been a staunch and vocal opponent of abortion:[From opponent's website]
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial website BenJealous.com Jul 3, 2018

Larry Hogan: Signed expansive birth control insurance bill

Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?

Hogan: Legal. Personally opposes abortion, but declares the subject settled & will not try to change Maryland's laws protecting woman's rights.

Jealous: Legal. "If we increase barriers to abortion & family planning services, women will see their health compromised, & all of our families will suffer."

Contraception: Employers can withhold contraceptive coverage if they disagree?

Hogan: No. Signed expansive birth control insurance bill.

Jealous: No. Criticizes Hogan for leaving out state employees in bill expanding insurance contraception coverage.

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

Hogan: Unclear. Allowed bill to protect Planned Parenthood health services to go into law without his signature.

Jealous: Yes. Supports Planned Parenthood. Include women's health services as part of Medicare for All.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Larry Hogan: Vetoed allowing non-physicians to perform abortions

HB937: Establishing the Abortion Care Clinical Training Program in the Maryland Department of Health to ensure that there are a sufficient number of health professionals to provide abortion care.

Summary by Maryland Matters: House Bill 937, titled the Abortion Care Access Act, will expand who can perform abortions in the state to include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants. It will also provide $3.5 million in financial support to clinically train health care professionals to offer reproductive services.

Veto message : "House Bill 937 endangers the health and lives of women by allowing non-physicians to perform abortions. The bill risks lowering the high standard of reproductive health care services received by women in Maryland."

Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Governor Larry Hogan on Apr/8/2022; Veto Overridden by House 90-46-5 on Apr/9/2022; Veto Overridden by Senate 29-15-3 on Apr/9/2022.

Source: Maryland Matters on Maryland voting records HB937 Apr 8, 2022

Martin O`Malley: $101M for stem cell research over six years

Source: 2012 Maryland State of the State Address Feb 3, 2012

Michael Steele: Support stem cell research that involves no embryonic cells

I do support stem cell research. Where I have drawn the line is federal funding for research that destroys the embryo. And, and I've been very much an advocate and supporter of advancing research that will allow us to do the - do what we need to do without destroying that, that embryo.
Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006

Michael Steele: See embryonic stem cells as lives

Q: Why are you opposed to using embryonic stem cells? Taking of a life?

A: Yes, I see that as a life, and I don't think that we should use federal funds to do that.

Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006

Michael Steele: Set up adoptions for unwanted embryos

I won't close down the fertility clinics. We have options there. We could, we could set up adoptions for those, for those embryos. There are so many other options that we can pursue that we don't. The key thing to keep in here is that science moves us in a certain direction, and it pushes the envelope, as it should. But as a society, we also must, must consider the, the, the religious, the moral, and the ethical values of that society, and that needs to be a part of this as well.
Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006

Michael Steele: Roe v. Wade should remain in place

Q: Would you hope the US Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade?

A: My desire is that we follow what stare decisis is at this point.

Source: 2006 Maryland Senate debate on Meet the Press Oct 29, 2006

Peter Franchot: A very important right that we need to defend for women

Advocates rallied in Annapolis on Saturday to join a nationwide effort to stand up and defend abortion rights. "We need to make sure that Maryland is aware that this is a very, very important economic social and health-oriented right that we need to defend for women," Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said.
Source: WJZ (CBS Local) on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Oct 2, 2021

Richard Madaleno: Supported Planned Parenthood when Feds tried to cut

We need a governor who will protect reproductive rights without equivocation. When Washington tried to force Planned Parenthood out of business I introduced a new law guaranteeing that Maryland will reimburse Planned Parenthood for the health care services it provides here. This ensured that young people, and especially young women of color, will keep access to primary care, mammograms, cancer screenings, birth control, medical advice, and abortions.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial website MadalenoForMaryland.com Aug 8, 2017

Richard Madaleno: 100% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice Maryland

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Jun 1, 2018

Tony Campbell: Every life matters: against abortion and assisted suicide

Q: What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide)

Campbell: I believe Every Life Matters. I am against Abortion and against Assisted Suicide.

Source: RedMaryland.com on 2018 Maryland Senate race Apr 6, 2018

Shawn Quinn: Oppose late term abortions; support others

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: Support. Oppose late term abortions, support others

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate May 13, 2018

Thomas Perez: Committed to protecting and advancing reproductive rights

Tom is committed to protecting and advancing reproductive rights and justice. At a time when women's rights are under assault and states across the country are repealing women's rights to their own health choices, Tom is committed to ensuring reproductive rights of Marylanders remain protected. Minority and low-income populations are hurt the most when their right to choose goes under attack.
Source: 2021 Maryland Governor campaign website TomPerez.com Jul 18, 2021

Wes Moore: Enshrine the right to abortion into Maryland's Constitution

Protect reproductive freedoms and advance access to reproductive health care by enshrining the right to abortion into Maryland's Constitution, combating any efforts to restrict care and expanding training for health care providers so more Marylanders can obtain care.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website WesMoore.com Jul 24, 2022

John Neely Kennedy: Shame on those who celebrate, actually celebrate, abortion

The truth is that all life is precious. All life. Shame on those who celebrate, actually celebrate, abortion. The truth is, the Republican party is the party of parents. We understand that if you do not love your children, your children will not stop loving you, your children will stop loving themselves.
Source: Speech at the 2023 CPAC Conference in Maryland Mar 2, 2023

Robin Ficker: I'm pro-life and I'm not going to sign a pro-abortion bill

[On Abortion]: "I'm pro-life and I'm not going to sign a pro-abortion bill, but I'm realistic. I know that the Democrats have the moves to do pretty much what they want. I'm not going to be assisting them. But that's what's going to happen."
Source: WUSA on 2024 Maryland Senate race Jul 14, 2022

Angela Alsobrooks: Establish federal legal protection for the right to abortion

On her first day in office, Angela will co-sponsor the Women's Health Protection Act, a crucial step towards establishing federal legal protection for the right to provide and access abortion care. As a Senator, Angela is determined to stand against misguided Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. Additionally, she will oppose any judicial nominee who does not support abortion rights.
Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website AngelaAlsobrooks.com Feb 16, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks: Women's Health Protection Act: protect abortion access

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks: Oppose efforts to defund Planned Parenthood

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Larry Hogan: Restore Roe as the law of the land

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Larry Hogan: Restore Roe as the law of the land

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Wes Moore: Maryland will protect reproductive health and rights

Gov. Wes Moore said that Maryland plans to pave the way forward on abortion rights. Moore made the remark during an interview with ABC News: "My thinking is that Maryland is going to lead with this," he said. "This is the first time that we've actually seen a Supreme Court actively working to take rights away from people. Maryland is going to be a state where we are going to protect reproductive health and reproductive rights." Moore noted that in addition to stockpiling the abortion pill mifepristone "upwards of three years," state lawmakers have been taking steps toward protecting abortion rights by passing legislation.

Additionally, Moore said he has continued to support state legislative leadership to ensure "that next year abortion and reproductive rights will be on the ballot in the state of Maryland.

Source: CBS Baltimore on 2026 Maryland Governor press release (2023) Apr 16, 2023

Sarah Elfreth: Override veto allowing non-physicians to perform abortions

HB937: Establishing the Abortion Care Clinical Training Program in the Maryland Department of Health to ensure that there are a sufficient number of health professionals to provide abortion care.

Summary by Maryland Matters: House Bill 937, titled the Abortion Care Access Act, will expand who can perform abortions in the state to include nurse practitioners, nurse midwives and physician assistants. It will also provide $3.5 million in financial support to clinically train health care professionals to offer reproductive services.

Veto message : "House Bill 937 endangers the health and lives of women by allowing non-physicians to perform abortions. The bill risks lowering the high standard of reproductive health care services received by women in Maryland."

Legislative outcome: Vetoed by Gov. Hogan on Apr/8/2022; Veto Overridden by House 90-46-5 on Apr/9/2022; by Senate 29-15-3 on Apr/9/2022; Sen. Sarah Elfreth voted YES on override.

Source: Maryland Matters on Maryland voting records HB937 Apr 8, 2022

  • The above quotations are from State of Maryland Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Abortion.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2024 Presidential contenders on Abortion:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026