Contact: Ryan Mahoney, ryan@amplifynh.org
In WMUR Debate, Ayotte Lies About Her Anti-Choice Record
MANCHESTER, NH – During tonight’s gubernatorial debate on WMUR, Kelly Ayotte tried disguise her extensive anti-abortion record in the closing week of the election, saying “I’ve always believed this should be a state issue,” which acknowledges her support for the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and claiming she never voted for an abortion ban as a member of the Senate (she did).
“Kelly Ayotte’s fresh, new stance on abortion in the closing week of the election doesn’t pass the smell test, given her extensive, extreme record of denying women’s reproductive rights as a Senator and playing a critical role in the Trump Supreme Court majority that overturn Roe," said Amplify New Hampshire Executive Director Ryan Mahoney. "Ayotte’s promise to follow the Sununu path will almost certainly lead to further erosions of abortion rights with the passage of New Hampshire Republican wishlist legislation like the 15-week abortion ban. Sununu similarly promised not to touch women’s reproductive rights before passing an abortion ban himself and boasting about his pro-life record. Ayotte will be more of the same.”
The truth about Ayotte:
Consistent Anti-Choice Voting Record: New Hampshire Republicans nationally and locally have a long history of supporting restrictive abortion measures. Republican gubernatorial nominee Kelly Ayotte voted for a strict national abortion ban and opposed Roe v. Wade, and in 2021 the Republican legislature passed and Governor Sununu signed an abortion ban, the most restrictive abortion law in New Hampshire in modern history.
Restrictions on IVF Treatments: Kelly Ayotte voted to restrict access to IVF treatment in 2011 and 2012, which would have significantly harmed the ability of individuals and families’ to receive reproductive assistance.
Trump’s Supreme Court Sherpa: Kelly Ayotte led the nomination fight for Trump’s first Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, who was eventually confirmed and went onto overturn Roe v. Wade.
NH Republican Push To Ban Abortion: Following their passage of New Hampshire’s first modern abortion ban, New Hampshire Republicans tried to introduce an even more radical 15-week abortion ban in January 2024. During the same month, 184 New Hampshire House Republicans voted against an attempt to codify the right to abortion in the New Hampshire constitution during a vote in February 2024, with all 9 Republican Senators following suit in rejecting the same attempt at a constitutional amendment. By blocking this constitutional amendment, they deliberately left the door open to make it easier for future abortion bans to pass in New Hampshire.
NHGOP’s Anti-Choice Platform: The NHGOP platform still states they "believe that life is sacred, from conception to natural death," further emphasizing their commitment to restrictive reproductive policies.
Support for Radial Anti-Abortion Candidate Trump: Ayotte has endorsed and received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who is responsible for Roe v. Wade being overturned, has advocated for punitive measures against doctors and women involved in abortion services, and is pushing for a new strict national abortion ban.
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About Amplify New Hampshire
Amplify New Hampshire is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization founded to keep Granite Staters informed of the decisions made in local, state, and federal government that will impact their lives and empower them to enact change. For more information, visit amplifynh.org.