My recent decision to withdraw House Bill 476 has prompted a prominent pro-life group to attack me and question my commitment to protecting the unborn. I’d like to set the record straight.
Meaningful change calls for sound, realistic legislation, not politically untenable positions that carry no chance of success whatsoever. In other words, my goal as a New Hampshire state representative is to advance legislation that will actually make a difference for my constituents.
Earlier this year, I introduced legislation aimed at expanding our state’s existing protections for the unborn. Subsequently, it became evident that the bill included a fatal flaw, and it would actually codify a right to abortion into New Hampshire statute.
Because of that, I could no longer in good conscience support the bill as drafted. Knowing that there is no realistic path forward for this bill, I made the decision to withdraw it.
Given that reality, I am extremely disappointed that a small group of activists has chosen to impugn my motives, attack their fellow pro-life activists, and denounce House leadership. Instead of assembling a circular firing squad, conservatives should be seeking ways to work together to advance the pro-life cause.
In withdrawing HB476, I sought (and received) the support of every one of my co-sponsors. We, as well as our other pro-life Republican colleagues, were unable to support something that codifies a “right to abortion” in New Hampshire. The vast majority of pro-life legislators in New Hampshire are in agreement, yet the attacks against us continue.
Divisiveness within the pro-life movement does absolutely nothing to move us forward. On the contrary, it only serves to stifle our efforts and undermine the legitimacy of our cause.
I am always open to discussions about legislation. But I cannot stand by as special interests impugn my motives and those of my colleagues. Our aim is — as it should be — to advance a meaningful culture of pragmatic common-sense policies to protect innocent life.
Instead of sacrificing principled legislation for the sake of procedural concerns, I would rather go back to the drawing board and find a solution that will unify us around a fundamental respect for life.