Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, what, if any, legal changes would you propose in Congress with regard to access to abortion?
U.S. Senator
Kelly Tshibaka
Republican candidate for U.S. Senator
The Supreme Court has placed decisions on abortion laws in the hands of the states, which is consistent with the Constitution’s 10th Amendment. Like me, many Alaskans are pro-life and oppose the existing state law, which permits late-term abortion on demand, even when a baby is full-term. In contrast, the incumbent has voted to allow late-term, partial birth and taxpayer-funded abortions.
(Editor’s note: Murkowski has voted against partial birth abortions and in favor of prohibiting using federal funds for abortions.)
I support expanding access to birth control without a prescription, so adult women can get it both over-the-counter and through the mail. I do not support restrictions on access to birth control, which millions of women — myself included — have taken. Birth control and abortion pills are not the same thing. Also, I believe Congress should provide more funding to our local health care clinics here in Alaska that provide non-abortive health care services to women.
Lisa Murkowski
Republican candidate for U.S. Senator
I recognize abortion is an issue where many hold deep and conflicting views. I support a woman’s right to make her own reproductive health decisions within reasonable limitations, in line with what a strong majority of Alaskans believe. Following the Dobbs decision, I worked with a bipartisan group of senators to introduce the Reproductive Freedom for All Act. Our bill protects a woman’s right to an abortion and ensures access to contraception while also protecting religious freedoms and provider conscience protections. I oppose late-term abortions and do not support using taxpayer dollars to fund abortions.
Murkowski’s voting record on abortion-related issues as tracked by VoteSmart.
Patricia Chesbro
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator
Medical privacy, including but not limited to abortion access, should be protected by federal law. Even Roe v. Wade did not provide the kinds of protections that a medical privacy act could assure. We have seen states consistently diminish reproductive rights since the Roe v. Wade decision. Hence, any new law should guarantee reproductive freedom. As we have seen in the recent decision of Oberlin College’s health care provider to deny contraception services to students, the far-reaching effects of the overturning of the decades-old right to abortion access can be unforeseen and unexpected. Health care is a human right. Reproductive decisions should be made by the woman with the advice of her medical professional.