State of Utah Archives: on Abortion

ACLU: Oppose new fees & inspections for abortion clinics

HB171: This bill amends provisions of the Health Care Facility Licensing and Inspection Act in relation to abortion clinics.

ACLU-Utah case to vote NO: H.B. 171 unfairly subjects Utah's three existing women's health clinics which offer abortions to twice a year inspections and higher government fees. Placing unnecessary regulations on physicians and the clinics in which they practice is bad public policy that stifles the doctor-patient relationship.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 47-25-3 on Mar/7/11; Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/9/11; State Sen. Ben McAdams voted NO; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/11

Source: ACLU-Utah on Utah legislative voting records HB171 Mar 26, 2011

Aimee Winder Newton: Abortion only permitted in extreme circumstances

I am pro-life and believe we should do all we can to reduce abortions. I believe we should protect the life of the unborn, and that abortions should be considered only in extreme circumstances such as when the life of the mother is in danger, or when there is rape or incest. Source: 2020 Utah governor campaign website AimeeForGovernor.com May 2, 2020

Allen Glines: Can't control reproductive rights yet oppose govt. overreach

Allen Glines for US Senate and Utah @AllenBGlines:

You cannot claim to be pro life and then suppress and oppress everyone outside of the 1 percent the moment they're born. If a life begins at conception, it does not end at birth.

You can also not claim to be against government overreach while cheering on municipalities that seek total control of the reproductive rights of women.

Source: Twitter posting on 2022 Utah Senate race Jul 14, 2021

Ben McAdams: Opposed new fees & inspections for abortion clinics

HB171: This bill amends provisions of the Health Care Facility Licensing and Inspection Act in relation to abortion clinics.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 47-25-3 on Mar/7/11; Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/9/11; State Sen. Ben McAdams voted NO; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/11

Source: ACLU-Utah on Utah legislative voting records HB171 Mar 9, 2011

Chuck Baldwin: Overturn Roe v. Wade

Baldwin favors overturning Roe v. Wade, noting the Republican Party is “phony” on the issue. “They have done nothing to stop abortion on demand, even though they had the entire federal government for six years,” he said. “We feel that now the Republican Party is probably on the last legs of its existence.” Source: Charles Geraci in The Herald Journal, Cache Valley, Utah Jul 5, 2008

Craig Bowden: No late-term abortion except for maternal life

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Abortion is a woman's unrestricted right"?

A: I do not agree with late term, except as it pertains to life saving measures of the mother.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Utah Senate candidate Feb 28, 2018

Danny Drew: Common ground on reducing the number of abortions

I think the rational thing is that everybody wants to lower abortions. Both pro-life and pro-choice. I think the difference is asking, "What are you gonna do about it?" Pro-life is like "I don't believe in contraceptives; I don't believe in making sure we have to stop it or increase adoptions." I think there's common ground. Source: Blacksite Media on 2018 Utah Senatorial race Jun 19, 2017

Gary Herbert: Collect information on reason for abortion, race, ethnicity

Legislative Summary: SB60: This bill requires the Department of Health to prepare an annual report for the Health and Human Services Interim Committee, including information on: the number of abortions performed in the state; the reported reason, if any, why the patient sought the abortion; and at what stage of pregnancy the abortions took place; the race and ethnicity of the women on whom the abortions were performed.

Analysis by ACLU-Utah: Some of the information in question includes the reason for seeking an abortion, stage of pregnancy, and the race of the woman seeking an abortion. It seems clear that this bill is a thinly veiled effort to restrict women's reproductive choices down the road.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 56-17-2 on Mar/12/13; Passed Senate 23-4-2 on Mar/12/13; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/13

Source: ACLU-UT on Utah voting record SB60 Mar 22, 2013

Gary Herbert: Enacted new fees & inspections for abortion clinics

HB171: This bill amends provisions of the Health Care Facility Licensing and Inspection Act in relation to abortion clinics.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 47-25-3 on Mar/7/11; Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/9/11; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/11

Source: ACLU-Utah on Utah legislative voting records HB171 Mar 22, 2011

Jeff Burningham: Strongly believe in protecting rights of unborn

I am pro-life and believe strongly in protecting the rights of the unborn.
I believe that people should be able to live their lives as they see fit, without unnecessary government intrusion.
I will represent all Utahns because we are one Utah--no matter their gender, sexual orientation, race, or creed.
I support religious freedom and other First Amendment rights such as free speech and freedom of association.

Source: 2020 Utah gubernatorial campaign website JeffBurningham.com Jan 6, 2020

Jenny Wilson: Abortion rights are best left in the hands of the courts

The Utah Democratic Party platform doesn't address abortion at all--local party leaders learning several years ago that it's just best to let that controversial issue slide.

And some of the Democratic delegates didn't even like being asked about it. Pro-choice and pro-life terms "are divisive," said delegate Jenny Wilson, who also serves as chief of staff for Rep. Bill Orton, D-Utah. "We need to focus on education and prevention. Abortion rights are best left in the hands of the courts."

Source: Deseret News on 2018 Utah Senate race Aug 20, 1996

Jenny Wilson: Opposes requiring a 72-hour waiting period for abortions

Jenny Wilson said she had worked in a bipartisan way to get things accomplished--but it was on the issue of abortion that she grew emotional, her voice hitching as she talked of knowing people facing that issue as the Utah Legislature passed a law earlier this year requiring a 72-hour waiting period for abortions. She also said she was "horrified" by Mitt Romney's stance on the issue [Romney is pro-life].

"I will always fight on this issue," she said. "It is a difficult issue and while these men are enlightened--and I appreciate that--but that's not always the case. But this is an issue I will never compromise on."

Source: David Montero in Salt Lake Tribune on 2018 Utah Senate race Nov 28, 2012

Jonathan Swinton: I don't want federal funds to pay for abortions

This is the common sense approach I will take as Utah's U.S. senator:

Throw out government shut-downs as a substitute for legislation. We don't elect senators to throw hand grenades into the funding process. We elect them to solve problems by passing legislation. That is what I will do.
Push for a full investigation of Planned Parenthood. As a conservative Democrat, I am pro-life. I am as concerned about the accusations as anyone. I don't want federal funds to pay for abortions.
Leverage the Hyde Amendment (which requires that no federal funds be used to fund abortions except in instances of rape, incest, or physician certified danger to the mother) and require more detailed evidence moving forward that any federal funding provided to Planned Parenthood is not used for abortions.

Because many in the country are uncomfortable with Planned Parenthood being supported at all, another option could be to find alternative service providers. Source: Salt Lake Tribune on 2016 Utah Senate race Sep 26, 2015

Kamala Harris: A woman has the right to choose

HARRIS: There's the issue of choice and I will always fight for a woman's right to make a decision about her own body. It should be her decision and not Donald Trump's. Let's look at what else is before the court. It's the Affordable Care Act literally in the midst of a public health pandemic when 7 million people probably have what will be in the future considered a preexisting condition because you contracted the virus. Donald Trump is in court right now trying to get rid of the Affordable Care Act.

PENCE: I couldn't be more proud to serve as vice president to a president who stands without apology for the sanctity of human life. I'm pro-life. I don't apologize for it, & this is another one of those cases where there's such a dramatic contrast. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris support taxpayer funding of abortion all the way up to the moment of birth. Late term abortion. They want to increase funding to Planned Parenthood of America.

Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah Oct 7, 2020

Mia Love: Oppose taxpayer-funded abortions

Improve individual control over health care decisions by supporting consumer-directed health care options, health savings accounts, and other free market options
Eliminate barriers to coverage that best suits an individual's or family's personal needs by allowing people to purchase the insurance of their choice across state lines
Oppose taxpayer-funded abortions
Support the ability for states to develop consumer-based health care models that allow for customized solutions

Source: 2014 Utah House campaign website, Love4Utah.com Aug 8, 2014

Mike Pence: I am proud to serve a pro-life president

PENCE: I couldn't be more proud to serve as vice president to a president who stands without apology for the sanctity of human life. I'm pro-life. I don't apologize for it, and this is another one of those cases where there's such a dramatic contrast. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris support taxpayer funding of abortion all the way up to the moment of birth. Late term abortion. They want to increase funding to Planned Parenthood of America.

Source: 2020 Vice-Presidential Debate in Utah Oct 7, 2020

Mike Weinholtz: I fully support a woman's constitutional right to choose

Women's health issues have been attacked more aggressively in recent years. I fully support a woman's constitutional right to choose because health care decisions are best left to a woman and her doctor, not the government. I would also never cut funding to Planned Parenthood, an organization that provides many Utahns with affordable access to vital health care services and decreases the number of unintended pregnancies. I will make sure that programs are in place to make abortions safe, legal, and rare. Source: 2016 Utah gubernatorial campaign website MikeForUtah.com Jun 17, 2016

Misty Snow: Only a woman and her doctors have a say on pregnancy

There are over 40 years of legal precedent affirming that a woman's right to abortion is protected by the constitution. Despite this, conservatives have been working to defund Planned Parenthood by using false evidence and highly-edited videos to generate support for their cause; this is very troubling as Planned Parenthood provides many important health services to women, teens, and LGBT people.

Only a woman and her doctors should have a say on issues related to the woman's health, and her choices regarding contraception and pregnancy. No one should force a woman to carry a baby to term that she doesn't want, no one should get between a woman and her doctor, and no one should undermine the health of women by cutting funding to an organization that provides medical care that many women wouldn't be able to otherwise access.

Let's be clear: the consequences of banning abortions would be as disastrous for our country as they have been in the countries that currently ban abortions.

Source: 2016 Utah Senate campaign website MistyKSnow.com Aug 8, 2016

Spencer Cox: Supports law banning most abortions after 18 weeks

Cox said he supports a law Herbert signed banning most abortions after 18 weeks of pregnancy. "I am unabashedly pro-life," he said. Source: Associated Press coverage of 2020 Utah gubernatorial race May 14, 2019

Spencer Cox: Collect information on reason for abortion, race, ethnicity

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 56-17-2 on Mar/12/13; State Rep. Spencer Cox voted YES; Passed Senate 23-4-2 on Mar/12/13; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/13

Source: ACLU-UT on Utah voting record SB60 Mar 12, 2013

Vaughn Cook: Limit abortions to rape, incest, and health

The Utah County Democrats' new platform follows The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' position on abortion. The new platform says "every abortion is a tragedy" and opposes "elective abortion for personal or social convenience." Abortion should be limited to instances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest, cases of fetal deformities or when there is a serious threat to the life or health of the mother, the platform states.

Vaughn Cook, chairman of the Utah County Democratic Party, says, "The things that the Republicans would like to use to identify Democrats aren't really the things that identify Democrats." Issues such as gay marriage and abortion attract most of the headlines, he said, but public education and transportation are examples of the important issues confronting government on a day-to-day basis. "It was time to define ourselves again," Cook said.

Source: Deseret News on 2016 Utah Gubernatorial race Jun 14, 2006

Evan McMullin: We've got to stand up to extremes tearing the country apart

It's tearing the country apart where extreme bills are being passed around the country, some of which my opponent has supported, which would not allow exceptions for the victims of rape or incest. I think that's wrong. And we've got to stand up to those extremes. But more importantly, we've got to find a more constructive way forward. And that's about making contraception more available, doing more to support women, children, and families, and improving education on this matter. Source: Meet the Press on 2022 Utah Senate race Oct 16, 2022

Spencer Cox: New tax credit for all children--the born and the unborn

And if Utah truly believes in supporting life, we must always show our commitment with more than words. That's why I am also proposing this session a first-of-its-kind tax credit for all children--the born and the unborn. We must also expand postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months. Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature Jan 19, 2023

Phil Lyman: Require abortions performed only in hospitals not at clinics

requires abortions to be performed in a hospital, with some exceptions;
prohibits licensing of abortion clinics after May 2, 2023, but allows licensing of certain clinics for providing an abortion if the clinic meets certain standards.

Opinion by Planned Parenthood in opposition:Planned Parenthood Association of Utah filed a new complaint, challenging HB 467, a newly-enacted law that will functionally eliminate access to abortion in the state if allowed to take effect on May 3, 2023--even though abortion is currently legal in Utah up until 18 weeks of pregnancy. Because over 95% of abortions in Utah are provided at licensed clinics rather than at hospitals, this law will ban the vast majority of abortions in the state.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/2/23; passed House 56-15-5 on Mar/3/23; State Rep. Phil Lyman voted YES; signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/15/23.

Source: Planned Parenthood on Utah State voting records HB467 Mar 3, 2023

Spencer Cox: Require abortions performed only in hospitals not at clinics

requires abortions to be performed in a hospital, with some exceptions;
prohibits licensing of abortion clinics after May 2, 2023, but allows licensing of certain clinics for providing an abortion if the clinic meets certain standards.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/2/23; passed House 56-15-5 on Mar/3/23; signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/15/23.

Source: Planned Parenthood on Utah State voting records HB467 Mar 15, 2023

Brian King: Progressive mother's support for Roe v. Wade was influential

Brian's mother, a feminist and progressive, left an indelible mark on his values. She epitomized the principles of autonomy and equality. Her rational and logical approach to issues, notably her disappointment when the Equal Rights Amendment failed in Utah and her support for Roe v. Wade, influenced Brian and his brothers. The dining table debates became a training ground for Brian's ability to navigate nuanced discussions, embracing both emotional and analytical perspectives. Source: 2024 Utah Gubernatorial campaign website KingForUtah.com Dec 25, 2023

Brian King: Led the opposition to state's abortion prohibition

As minority leader, King led opposition to Utah's 2020 abortion prohibition and proposed gun control legislation requiring universal background checks on gun sales. King continues to be "very concerned" about "women's reproductive issues." He thinks it is just one example of Republicans "completely misreading the will and the desires of the people of the state of Utah with regard to these most personal private decisions in their lives" which has made Utahns more open to a Democratic alternative. Source: Deseret News on 2024 Utah Gubernatorial race Dec 4, 2023

Brian King: Opposed new fees & inspections for abortion clinics

HB171: This bill amends provisions of the Health Care Facility Licensing and Inspection Act in relation to abortion clinics.

ACLU-Utah case to vote NO: H.B. 171 unfairly subjects Utah's three existing women's health clinics which offer abortions to twice a year inspections and higher government fees. Placing unnecessary regulations on physicians and the clinics in which they practice is bad public policy that stifles the doctor-patient relationship.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 47-25-3 on Mar/7/11; State Rep. Brian King voted NO; Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/9/11; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/11

Source: ACLU-Utah on Utah legislative voting records HB171 Mar 9, 2011

Brian King: Don't collect information on reason for abortion

Legislative Summary: SB60: This bill requires the Department of Health to prepare an annual report for the Health and Human Services Interim Committee, including information on: the number of abortions performed in the state; the reported reason, if any, why the patient sought the abortion; and at what stage of pregnancy the abortions took place; the race and ethnicity of the women on whom the abortions were performed.

Analysis by ACLU-Utah: Some of the information in question includes the reason for seeking an abortion, stage of pregnancy, and the race of the woman seeking an abortion. It seems clear that this bill is a thinly veiled effort to restrict women's reproductive choices down the road.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 56-17-2 on Mar/12/13; State Rep. Brian King voted NO; Passed Senate 23-4-2 on Mar/12/13; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/13

Source: ACLU-UT on Utah voting record SB60 Mar 12, 2013

Brian King: Don't require abortions performed only in hospitals

requires abortions to be performed in a hospital, with some exceptions;
prohibits licensing of abortion clinics after May 2, 2023, but allows licensing of certain clinics for providing an abortion if the clinic meets certain standards.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/2/23; passed House 56-15-5 on Mar/3/23; State Rep. Brian King voted NO; signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/15/23.

Source: Planned Parenthood on Utah State voting records HB467 Mar 15, 2023

Brad Wilson: Fighting to protect our children, including the unborn

Wilson has been a leading voice in the fight to protect our children, including the unborn. Wilson has fought fervently to defend the right to life, and has passed legislation protecting women's sports, banning puberty blockers, and prohibiting gender-altering surgeries for minors. Source: 2024 Utah Senate campaign website ElectBradWilson.com Apr 19, 2024

Brad Wilson: Opposed new fees & inspections for abortion clinics

HB171: This bill amends provisions of the Health Care Facility Licensing and Inspection Act in relation to abortion clinics.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 47-25-3 on Mar/7/11; Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/9/11; State Rep. Brad Wilson voted NO; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/11

Source: ACLU-Utah on Utah legislative voting records HB171 Mar 7, 2011

Brad Wilson: Collect information on reason for abortion, race, ethnicity

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 56-17-2 on Mar/12/13; State Rep. Brad Wilson voted YES; Passed Senate 23-4-2 on Mar/12/13; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/13

Source: ACLU-UT on Utah voting record SB60 Mar 12, 2013

Brad Wilson: Require abortions performed only in hospitals not at clinics

requires abortions to be performed in a hospital, with some exceptions;
prohibits licensing of abortion clinics after May 2, 2023, but allows licensing of certain clinics for providing an abortion if the clinic meets certain standards.

Opinion by Planned Parenthood in opposition: Planned Parenthood Association of Utah filed a new complaint, challenging HB 467, a newly-enacted law that will functionally eliminate access to abortion in the state if allowed to take effect on May 3, 2023--even though abortion is currently legal in Utah up until 18 weeks of pregnancy. Because over 95% of abortions in Utah are provided at licensed clinics rather than at hospitals, this law will ban the vast majority of abortions in the state.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/2/23; passed House 56-15-5 on Mar/3/23; Speaker Brad Wilson voted YES; signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/15/23.

Source: Planned Parenthood on Utah State voting records HB467 Mar 3, 2023

Caroline Gleich: Staunch supporter of the right to choose

Caroline is a staunch supporter of the right to choose, advocating for decisions regarding abortion to be made between patients and their doctors--not politicians. She is dedicated to holding state lawmakers accountable for potential overreach of government in matters of personal healthcare. Source: 2024 Utah Senate campaign website CarolineForUtah.com Jun 21, 2024

Caroline Gleich: No place for the government in intimate, personal decisions

When I was 36, I made the decision to freeze my eggs and embryos for fertility preservation. There are many reasons why people undergo these treatments, but, no matter the circumstance, there is absolutely no place for the government in intimate, personal decisions like when and how to start a family. As Utah's next senator, I will fiercely defend reproductive freedoms and family values, because Utah women are tired of being pawns in these increasingly extreme political games. Source: Senate campaign press release on 2024 Utah Senate race Mar 21, 2024

Misty Snow: Don't interfere with private medical decisions of women

Q: Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?

Snow: I don't think politicians should be passing laws that interfere with the private medical decisions of women. Only a woman and her doctor can properly determine if and when an abortion is appropriate.

Source: 2016 AFA Action iVoterGuide on 2016 Utah Senate race Nov 8, 2016

Trent Staggs: Abortion until 14 weeks; exceptions for rape, incest, & life

Q: RIGHT TO LIFE: Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants)?

A: Strongly Agree.

Q: Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes?

A: Strongly Agree.

Q: Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?

A: Only within the first 14 weeks, within the cases of rape, incest, life of the mother.

Q: Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?

A: The federal government should not fund abortions nor facilitate the receiving of them.

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Utah Senate race Jun 25, 2024

Mike Kennedy: Collect information on reason for abortion, race, ethnicity

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 56-17-2 on Mar/12/13; State Sen. Mike Kennedy voted YES; Passed Senate 23-4-2 on Mar/12/13; Signed by Governor Gary Herbert on Mar/22/13

Source: ACLU-UT on Utah voting record SB60 Mar 12, 2013

Mike Kennedy: Require abortions performed only in hospitals not at clinics

requires abortions to be performed in a hospital, with some exceptions;
prohibits licensing of abortion clinics after May 2, 2023, but allows licensing of certain clinics for providing an abortion if the clinic meets certain standards.

Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 22-6-1 on Mar/2/23; State Sen. Mike Kennedy voted YES; passed House 56-15-5 on Mar/3/23; signed by Governor Spencer Cox on Mar/15/23.

Source: Planned Parenthood on Utah State voting records HB467 Mar 15, 2023

The above quotations are from State of Utah 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