Democratic Candidate - Wisconsin's 5th District, U.S. House of Representatives

I recognize the serious conflict that exists regarding the topic of abortion.  I have heard impassioned speeches both for a woman’s right to choose and for banning abortion altogether.  I have deep respect for people on both sides of this issue, and I do not doubt their motives. As it stands, this is a national argument with national-sized vitriol.

I do not see this issue in such large terms.  My pro-life stance is deeply personal.  As an adoptee, I am very grateful that my birth mother had access to information about adoption and had the support she needed to make the choice to give me the opportunity to be here and to be raised by loving parents who welcomed me into their lives.

I believe that women who face an unplanned pregnancy deserve accurate information about all of their options, including adoption, and that no woman should be penalized for choosing to give birth to her baby. That’s why protecting life means more to me than legislation affecting abortion and why I do not believe that abortion legislation will address the problems we face.

To me, protecting life means raising the standard of living for the millions of mothers and would-be mothers upon whom our children rely and enacting family-friendly policies that expand access to maternity care for all women, regardless of income. Protecting life also means advocating for policies that protect babies after they are born by giving parents the tools they need to balance their child care and job responsibilities without having to sacrifice opportunities for educational or career advancement.