Reproductive Freedom
is on the Ballot
The Issue: With Roe v. Wade overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in 2022, it is more important than ever for Granite Staters to understand the current state of the law regarding issues of reproductive freedom and access to abortion here in New Hampshire.
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New Hampshire is the only state in New England that does not proactively protect the right to abortion. This means that state legislators could pass additional laws restricting access to abortion. November's election results could determine Granite Staters’ ability to get the future reproductive health care access they need. New Hampshire Republicans have shown us that they are willing to pass laws undermining our reproductive freedom.
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In June 2021, Governor Sununu signed the most restrictive abortion ban in modern New Hampshire history into law. His ban made no exceptions for rape or incest, and it contained language allowing for punishment of health care providers with up to seven years in prison. Sununu signed this ban despite saying just months earlier that he was not looking to make any changes to New Hampshire’s abortion laws.
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Following the fall of Roe v. Wade, the NH GOP legislators have repeatedly refused to codify abortion rights into law, leaving New Hampshire the only state in New England where such rights are not enshrined in state law.
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We can not trust Kelly Ayotte and radical right lawmakers to protect our access to health care, including abortion. When she was in the US Senate, Ayotte voted for a national abortion ban. She voted 4 times to defund Planned Parenthood.
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Watch and listen in her own words!
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Vote for Democrats! New Hampshire deserves better. Votes for Democrats are votes to protect reproductive freedom.
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If we want the freedom to control our own bodies, we need elected officials who will protect abortion care and reproductive rights.
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Democrats will fight to ensure that women have access to robust healthcare to ensure abortions are safe and legal.
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Democrats want to protect individuals’ rights to make healthcare decisions about their bodies.
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We must be able to make decisions about pregnancy and abortion free from fear or politicians who shame and try to control us. Lawmakers have no place interfering in someone else’s pregnancy decisions.
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The most effective way to prevent unintended pregnancy is easy access to affordable contraception and reproductive healthcare in our communities and schools.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Background:
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A report from the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation shows how New Hampshire abortion laws compare to other New England states – ours is the only state in the region without legal protection for abortion access.
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The Republican majority on the Executive Council has repeatedly voted to deny state funding for family planning health care centers that serve low-income Granite Staters in New Hampshire, providing vital care such as STD testing, cancer screenings, and family planning services. Time and time again, Republicans put politics over the health of Granite Staters by refusing to help the people who need it most. Cinde Warmington, the lone Democrat, was the only Executive Councilor to support funding each of these health care centers.
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Granite Staters strongly oppose the overturning of Roe v. Wade according to a UNH poll, with 61% strongly or somewhat opposed to the decision. Additionally, 55% of Granite Staters believe abortion should be legal in all instances. In a St. Anselm College survey released in August 2022, 71% of Granite Staters identified as pro-choice.
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The radical right Republican legislators in the State House pushed legislation to:
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Ban abortions after 24 weeks with no exceptions for rape/incest/fatal fetal anomaly and requiring an ultrasound for abortion at any stage of pregnancy. (HB2)
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Propose an unconstitutional ban on abortion at six weeks’ gestation, which is just two weeks after a missed period. (HB1477)
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Restrict access to healthcare by allowing any single person working in a health care setting, including pharmacies, to refuse to perform abortions or sell contraception if it violates their conscience. (HB1080)
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Allow bio-dads, including rapists, to prevent abortions, forcing women to carry unwanted pregnancies. (HB1181)
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Repeal buffer zones, which would subject patients seeking medical care to harassment and intimidation as they enter and exit health care facilities. (HB1625)
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Know who you are voting for!
Ask every single candidate to tell you their position on reproductive liberty:
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Will you vote to codify reproductive access and choice in New Hampshire into state law?
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Will you vote for budgets that support reproductive healthcare?
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Will you vote against more restrictive abortion legislation?
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Will you vote to protect the safety of people who access reproductive healthcare? Support buffer zones?
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Will you oppose any legislation that seeks to limit reproductive liberties?