State of Maine Archives: on Abortion
Charlie Summers:
Funding for research on existing embryonic stem cell lines
Q: Do you support federal funding for research on existing embryonic stem cell lines?
A: Yes.
Source: Maine Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Charlie Summers:
Must consider incest or rape
Pro-choice. Quote: "I believe there are times such as the life of the mother or
incest or rape when abortion is something that may have to be considered."
Source: Public Broadcasting "Your Vote 2012" Maine Senate debate
Sep 1, 2012
Angus King:
Favors abortion rights; opposes defunding Planned Parenthood
King, who favors abortion rights and opposes efforts to strip funding from Planned Parenthood, says the
GOP's focus on abortion laws, women's health providers and contraception is "a huge mistake."
Source: Fox News, "Female Senator", on 2012 Maine Senate Debates
Apr 16, 2012
Betsy Sweet:
Protect a woman's right to choose
Civil Rights/Women's Rights:
Protect a woman's right to choose and reproductive health services.
Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection: 2018 Maine Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Bruce Poliquin:
Pro-life and proud of it
I was raised in a traditional Franco-American Catholic home in Central Maine. We cherished the values of close family, religious freedom, independence, and hard work.From that upbringing, reinforced by a family tragedy when
my son was still in diapers, I developed a deep appreciation for the invaluable role families play in our society. I believe that our government policies should support and strengthen American families.
These experiences also reminded me how fragile and precious life is. Raising my son as a single dad, I understand the many challenges as well as the special joys of rising children alone.
I believe in strong family values and in life. I am the only candidate in this Congressional race who is pro-life, and I'm proud of it.
Source: 2014 Maine House campaign website, PoliquinForCongress.com
Nov 4, 2014
Charlie Summers:
Abortions should always be legal
Summers indicates support for the following principles regarding abortion. -
Abortions should always be legal.
Source: Maine Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Chris Lyons:
Oppose abortion as an unrestricted right
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?
A: oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maine Senate candidate
Mar 6, 2018
Chris Lyons:
Life is precious; abortion only if maternal life at risk
Q: You oppose abortion as a woman's right--how do you reconcile that with libertarian ideals of self-government? A: A usual retort to my opposition to abortion is I am a male wanting to control women. Farthest thing from the truth. We are equals
regardless of our differences. My contention is life is precious.
Q: So you believe that abortion takes a life?
A: There is a thing called the 'morning after pill' which prevents conception. Is not the prevention of conception more reasonable than
the termination of a life? It further seems reasonable to me that the 'morning after pill' would be far more desirable than any form of personal invasiveness of an abortion. Thus, the next question is, is the 'morning after pill' readily available
anywhere at very low cost? The answer is yes. This was not the case 20 + years ago but is most assuredly the case now. Therefore, the only reason that abortion would be an acceptable form is if the mother's life is endangered.
Source: Follow-up OnTheIssues interview: 2018 Maine Senate candidate
Mar 10, 2018
Eliot Cutler:
Unequivocally pro-choice; allow abortions via MaineCare
I am the only major candidate for governor who is--and always has been--unequivocally pro-choice. My respect for and trust in women to make their own decisions about their reproductive lives is rooted in my family and in my experience, and it is and
always has been unwavering. As your governor I will oppose and veto all attempts to directly or indirectly restrict access to safe & legal abortion for the women citizens of Maine, regardless of whether they are insured privately or are MaineCare clients
Source: 2014 gubernatorial campaign website, CutlerForMaine.com
Dec 31, 2013
Eric Brakey:
Pro-life, and anti-ObamaCare
All of Senator Brakey's positions and comments come from the 2016 CCL Candidate Survey [as reported on maine.patriotguide.us]: Q: Do you generally support or oppose abortion?
Eric Brakey: Oppose. "I am Pro-Life."
Q: Do you support or oppose a repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)?
Eric Brakey: Support. "Obamacare has made healthcare more expensive, not less. We need free market solutions."
Source: Christian Civic League on 2018 Maine Senate race
Nov 1, 2018
Eric Brakey:
Oppose funding Planned Parenthood; require parental consent
Q: Do you support or oppose public funding for Planned Parenthood and/or Maine Family Planning?Eric Brakey: Oppose. "Opponents of abortion should not be forced to support this practice with their tax dollars."
Q: Do you support or oppose requiring
parental consent for minor women obtaining an abortion?
Eric Brakey: Support. "This is a major medical procedure and should not be undertaken without parental consent and notification."
Source: Christian Civic League on 2018 Maine Senate race
Nov 1, 2018
Janet Mills:
No comment on lawsuit to expand abortion access
Maine Attorney General Janet Mills is not commenting on a lawsuit designed to expand abortion access in Maine. The American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood filed the lawsuit Wednesday. It targets a state law that
requires abortions be performed solely by physicians. That means advanced practice registered nurses can't perform them. A spokesman for Mills says the office has not been served with the lawsuit and has no comments on the merits of the case.
Source: U.S. News & World Report on 2018 Maine Gubernatorial race
Sep 20, 2017
Janet Mills:
Stand in the way of efforts to undermine right to abortion
Republicans in some states are looking at ways to prevent women from going out of state for abortions, steps that could include going after abortion providers. In response, some Democratic governors have signed measures banning their state's law
enforcement agencies from enforcing other states' abortion bans. When she signed an executive order, Mills said she "will stand in the way of any effort to undermine, roll back or outright eliminate the right to safe and legal abortion in Maine."
Source: Market Watch on 2022 Maine Gubernatorial race
Jul 15, 2022
Mary Mayhew:
Ban abortions after 20 weeks, like most developed nations
I am so disheartened that The U.S. Senate has refused to stand up for the lives of unborn babies by voting down a ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy earlier this week. Only 7 developed nations allow abortions at this stage of pregnancy,
and among those are North Korea and China, countries known for their human rights crimes. The United States should be a leader in protecting lives, not an outlier in allowing them to be ended.
Source: Facebook posting on 2018 Maine Gubernatorial race
Jan 30, 2018
Matt Dunlap:
Abortions should always be legally available
Dunlap indicates support for the following principles concerning abortion. - Abortions should always be legally available.
- Abortions should be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape.
-
Abortions should be legal when the life of the woman is endangered.
Source: Maine Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2002
Mike Michaud:
Evolved from pro-life to pro-choice over period of 30 years
Democrat Mike Michaud was forced to respond often because he was besieged by both LePage and Cutler. Responding to criticism that he cast a number of votes earlier in his career against equal rights for gays and lesbians
and against reproductive rights, Michaud acknowledged that he has indeed changed his position since he first was elected as a 24-year-old state representative. "Yes, I have evolved, but what's wrong with that?" he said.
Cutler didn't relent. "I'm glad Mike has evolved, but he's not being honest. He cast those votes when he was 24, 34, 44, and even 54.
It took him 30 years (to evolve)," he said, turning to Michaud. "You had to go to Washington to find out you were wrong?"
Source: Press-Herald on 2014 Maine Gubernatorial debate
Oct 15, 2014
Sara Gideon:
Backed in primary by abortion-rights groups
They have Gideon pegged as the nominee. National Republicans' campaign machine has revved up against her.
Her June launch generated $1 million in 10 days. She was quickly backed by Senate Democrats' campaign arm and abortion-rights groups influential in primaries.
Source: Bangor Daily News on 2020 Maine Senate endorsements
Sep 16, 2019
Sara Gideon:
Protect & expand access to women's reproductive care
Sara is a strong and vocal advocate for protecting and expanding access to women's reproductive care. Sara will fight back against any attempts to attack or defund Planned Parenthood, and will work to roll back the dangerous Title X gag rule.
Sara will also work to put an end to the Senate confirming judicial nominees with dangerous anti-choice records. Sara is proud to be endorsed by Planned Parenthood Action Fund and NARAL.
Source: 2020 Maine Senate campaign website SaraGideon.com
Jun 4, 2020
Shawn Moody:
Strongly pro-life: opposes any tax dollars for abortion
SUPPORTING A PRO-LIFE CULTURE IN MAINE. - Oppose any state taxpayer money for abortions.
- Support Maine Right to Life's Legislative efforts including parental consent in cases of minors and those who are incapacitated and efforts to
require waiting periods for abortions.
- Oppose the rationing of medical care for those suffering from disabilities and other terminal illnesses.
- Oppose euthanasia in Maine.
Source: 2018 Maine Gubernatorial race website ShawnMoody.com
Sep 1, 2018
Shawn Moody:
2010: private choice; 2018: ban with exceptions
Abortion: Mostly ban or mostly legal?Janet Mills: Legal. Backed bill advancing access in rural & low-income communities. "I will fight any attempt to undermine or roll back a woman's right to choose."
Moody: Ban. During 2010 campaign said it was a private choice. Now ban, with exceptions for rape, incest or life of the mother.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maine Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Susan Collins:
Joined Democrats to fund Planned Parenthood
Senate Republicans, aided by Vice President Mike Pence and an ailing Georgia colleague who gingerly made his way to the Capitol with the aid of a wheelchair and a walker, voted Thursday to undo an Obama administration rule preventing states from
blocking funding for family planning clinics that also provide abortions.Democrats all voted against the bill, as did two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Ms. Collins and Ms. Murkowski have long opposed
attacks on funding Planned Parenthood, which they argue provides services for women in areas with scarce health care options.
Senator Johnny Isakson, Republican of Georgia, who returned after two back surgeries, was cleared by his doctors to travel
for one day only to help pass the measure, but it took Pence's final vote to break the 50-50 tie. The measure will now head to Trump's desk, a onetime supporter of Planned Parenthood who adopted an anti-abortion rights position during the campaign.
Source: N.Y.Times on 2018 Maine Senate race
Mar 30, 2017
Susan Collins:
End unfair copays charged to veterans for contraception
[On contraception coverage co-introduced with Sen. Richard Blumenthal]: "This legislation will end unfair copays charged to veterans accessing essential contraception," said Senator Blumenthal. "Providing these important family planning services to
veterans without out-of-pocket costs--a right already afforded to their active duty and civilian counterparts--is necessary to protect their health, wellbeing and reproductive freedoms." "Throughout my Senate service, I have worked to ensure that
America's veterans receive the benefits, resources, and recognition they earned through their service to our country," said Senator Collins. "Under current law, women can obtain contraception without a co-pay through private health insurance, but not
through VA health care. Our bill would support women veterans--the fastest-growing segment of our veteran population--by closing this loophole and eliminating co-payments for contraception for those covered by VA health care."
Source: Sierra Sun Times on 2020 Maine Senate race
Aug 5, 2022
Zak Ringelstein:
Publicly-funded reproductive healthcare for women
The Southern Maine chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (SMDSA) voted on Monday, March 12 to endorse
Zak Ringelstein for US Senate in the June Primary. He supports medicare for all and full, publicly-funded reproductive healthcare for women, including abortion.
Source: Southern Maine DSA Press Release on 2018 Maine Senate race
Mar 27, 2018
David Costello:
Support efforts to protect the reproductive rights of women
David will help in expanding our nation's civil, civic, and human rights by supporting efforts to:- Protect the reproductive rights of women.
- Approve the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
- Enact the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
Source: 2024 Maine Senate campaign website CostelloForSenate.com
Feb 27, 2024
Demi Kouzounas:
The Maine GOP is fighting to protect the lives of the unborn
Despite Collins' support for abortion rights, the Maine Republican Party's chair, Demi Kouzounas, said in a fundraising email late Thursday that "the Maine GOP is fighting to protect the lives of the unborn, but we can not do it alone.
We NEED your help. If you are pro-life, DONATE today to recruit, train, and elect candidates who will fight for the unborn and stand up to Governor Mills her friends pro-abortion stance."
Source: Lewiston Sun Journal on 2024 Maine Senate race
Sep 3, 2021
Angus King:
Overturning Roe robs millions of women of fundamental right
Ban or legal?Angus King (I): Legal. The decision overturning Roe v. Wade "is a dangerous, blatantly political ruling that will rob millions of women the fundamental right to make decisions about their own health, safety, and lives."
Voted to codify abortion rights.
Demi Kouzounas (R): Likely ban. In 2021, said: "DONATE today to candidates who will fight for the unborn." In 2024: "I am not for a ban, I am for choice"; abortion should "come back to the states."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maine Senate race
Sep 9, 2024
Demi Kouzounas:
No national ban; abortion should come back to the states
Ban or legal?Demi Kouzounas (R): Likely ban. In 2021, said in a fundraising appeal: "If you are pro-life, DONATE today to recruit, train, & elect candidates who will fight for the unborn." In 2024: "I am not for a ban, I am for choice";
abortion should "come back to the states."
Angus King (I): Legal. Overturning Roe v. Wade "is a dangerous, blatantly political ruling that will rob millions of women the fundamental right to make decisions about their own health."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maine Senate race
Sep 9, 2024
Robert Charles:
Abortion steals the gift of life from mothers
Then came Portland, that wonderful Right to Life dinner. Not a single other gubernatorial, congressional, or US Senate candidate attended.
I do not know why. The night was a celebration of life, how precious it is, a reminder of the deceits used to steal this gift from mothers.
Source: Association of Mature Americans on 2026 Maine Governor race
Jul 3, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026