Mary Jane Beauregard: Nothing Extreme About Republican Position on Abortion in NH

AS New Hampshire’s newly sworn in RNC committeewoman, I am deeply committed to the well-being and rights of all women in New Hampshire. I want to address and correct the misleading information being circulated regarding our state’s abortion laws.

Recently, there have been claims that New Hampshire Republicans are pushing extreme and restrictive abortion policies. This is simply not true. Our current viability laws are consistent with those of many neighboring states and are, in fact, more lenient than many others. Importantly, our laws reflect the views of the majority of Granite Staters who support reasonable limitations on late-term abortions.

Under current New Hampshire law, women have the right to seek an abortion for any reason through six months. This time frame ensures that women have ample opportunity to make deeply personal and often difficult decisions about their pregnancies. Beyond six months, abortions are allowed by exception for reasons of fatal fetal anomalies as well as major health risks to the mother. This law strikes a careful balance, respecting both the rights of women and the sanctity of life. It is also important to note that the abortion pill remains legal in New Hampshire, providing further options for women.

It is crucial to dispel the myths and clarify that no woman in New Hampshire should fear that Republicans will outlaw abortion or make it unduly difficult to obtain within the first six months of pregnancy. Our stance is clear: We support the existing law that allows for these personal decisions to be made within a reasonable timeframe. When politicians mention a “dangerous abortion ban,” it inaccurately describes our law and incites fear and violence.

We deeply reject the use of this tone and language. We aim to open a dialogue and foster an environment where all women are free to express their viewpoints, without violence and without judgment. To be truly supportive of women, it is important that all women have a seat at the table. Republican women welcome you.

The narrative being promoted by some New Hampshire Democrats inaccurately portrays our position, suggesting we are aligned with extreme policies. This significant misrepresentation only serves to create unnecessary division and fear. The state GOP remains committed to a balanced approach that respects the complexity of pregnancy and the autonomy of women, while also considering ethical concerns about late-term abortions.

Furthermore, in protecting women’s reproductive rights, Republican women have vehemently supported rights surrounding in vitro fertilization, recognizing the diverse ways women choose to manage their reproductive health.

New Hampshire Republicans advocate for the current state laws that permit abortions within the first six months of pregnancy, with strict limitations afterward. The misrepresentation of our position by some is not only inaccurate but also unhelpful to the ongoing, necessary conversation about reproductive rights.

Women in New Hampshire can be confident that voting Republican means supporting a party that upholds their reproductive rights while also promoting policies aimed at improving the economic and social well-being of all citizens in our state.

New Hampshire RNC committeewoman Mary Jane Beauregard lives in Wilton.