I’ve always believed that when we approach complex issues such ad abortion with a clear head and a dose of practical thinking, we can find common ground. Today, I want to talk about this one topic that often sparks strong emotions, but I believe is best understood when we apply a framework of personal responsibility and fiscal common sense. That’s what my campaign is built upon: a commitment to principles that serve us all, now and for the future.

At the heart of this discussion is a fundamental belief that every individual should have the autonomy to make decisions about their own body. This is a principle I stand firmly by. However, personal autonomy comes with personal responsibility, and that’s where the conversation often needs a clearer focus. We must also ask who bears the financial burden when decisions are made, and whether that burden should fall, by default, on every taxpayer in our state.

I’ve heard conversations, and I’ve had them myself, where people express a desire for reproductive freedom but also a strong conviction that State taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to fund choices that stem from casual or unintended circumstances. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about sustainable public policy and fairness. If we agree that individuals must be free to make these deeply personal choices, then it logically follows that when these choices lead to a pregnancy, the financial implications of addressing that pregnancy should primarily rest with the individuals involved, not with the collective purse of the state.

This is why my central campaign theme is simple yet profound: We must stop paying for the mistakes of others. This isn’t a radical idea; it’s a call for sensible financial stewardship and a return to personal accountability.

Of course, no system of common sense can ignore the realities of life’s gravest challenges. There are circumstances that demand compassion and collective support. My position includes clear exceptions for situations of rape, forceful incest, and serious medical conditions that pose a significant risk to the mother’s life or the child’s viability. In these difficult cases, where medical necessity or the aftermath of horrific violence is involved, State Medicaid will cover the costs, provided that the procedure is performed by a specialist and has prior authorization from a primary care provider. This ensures that support is available when it is truly needed and medically indicated.

To safeguard the integrity of these exceptions and prevent misuse, we must also implement clear consequences. False claims of rape or incest, particularly those made to fraudulently obtain state funding for an abortion, will be treated as serious offenses. Filing a false police report in such instances will be a felony, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of twelve months in county jail. For those convicted of rape, incest, or other forcible sexual crimes that result in a pregnancy and subsequent abortion, the state will pursue the maximum penalties allowed by law, without parole. My administration will explore every legal avenue to ensure justice is served, including the possibility of further charges where appropriate.

This approach is about empowering individuals with freedom while fostering a culture of responsibility. It’s about making our state’s resources available for true emergencies and needs, not for the everyday consequences of personal choices. By focusing on common sense, individual accountability, and compassionate, targeted support for genuine hardship, we can build a stronger, more responsible future for everyone.