Pro-Life Group Recalls Former Governor's Opposition to Legislation
NASHVILLE, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 - Tennessee Right to Life weighed in on the U.S. Senate race Friday citing Bredesen's pro-abortion record as governor. "Mr. Bredesen is attempting to muddy his position on abortion but many Tennesseans recall his refusal to sign legislation preventing abortion from becoming a funded benefit in health care plans," said Brian Harris, president of Tennessee Right to Life.
In 2010, during Bredesen's second term, the Legislature overwhelmingly passed language to opt out of pro-abortion mandates of the Affordable Care Act. The law states "No health care plan required to be established in this state through an exchange pursuant to federal health care reform legislation enacted by the 111th Congress shall offer coverage for abortion services. It passed the state House 70-23 and the state Senate 27-3. Bredesen refused to sign the legislation and it became law despite his opposition.
"The former governor is trying to have it both ways when it comes to abortion," said Harris. "By refusing to take a position on the Kavanaugh nomination, Mr. Bredesen is attempting to appear neutral in order to win election in a pro-life state. On Wednesday Bredesen told reporters that Kavanaugh's position on abortion is "certainly not as important to me as it is for some Democrats" and refused to say whether he supports the Kavanaugh nomination.
"Mr. Bredesen is trying to play both sides but most Tennesseans strongly favor the confirmation of the president's judicial nominees, including Kavanaugh" said Harris. "It should be no secret or surprise where Bredesen will come down on future nominations if elected to the U.S. Senate. His record shows it will not be on the side of vulnerable unborn children," Harris concluded.
'Bredesen says abortion issue not major factor as he weighs Kavanaugh nomination' - The Tennessean, September 12, 2018
From the article: Phil Bredesen still isn't ready to say whether he supports the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S Supreme Court, telling a group of lawyers in Lebanon Wednesday that he needs more time to watch confirmation hearings and study the pick. But one issue that the Tennessee Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate said won't factor much into his decision: the pro-life stance of President Donald Trump's judicial nominee. Although liberal activists have called Kavanaugh a threat to Roe v. Wade, Bredesen, who is pro-choice, told reporters that Kavanaugh's position on abortion is "certainly not as important to me as it is for some Democrats." He said it might be different if the nominee "came out hard on one side or the other," but he referenced how Kavanaugh — who has declined to answer whether Roe v. Wade is settled law — has said the case is the precedent of the court.