NORFOLK, Va. — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans' voting record on abortion is the focus of a new political ad paid for by House Majority Forward.
“Jen Kiggans has repeatedly voted to restrict access to abortion, including for servicewomen. And she even voted to punish doctors for reproductive care," the ad says. “Now Kiggans could be the deciding vote for a total abortion ban, no exception.”
But are these claims true? Let’s verify.
We’re using these sources:
- The National Defense Authorization Act bills for 2024 and 2025
- The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
- Roll call voting records for all three bills.
The ad says Kiggans has voted to restrict access to abortion for servicewomen. And yes, Kiggans did vote - alongside House Republicans - in favor of bills that would limit abortion access for servicemembers.
In 2023, the House passed a defense bill that included language limiting abortion access for people in the military. The bill had near unanimous support from Republicans, including Kiggans who voted to pass the bill.
A year later in 2024, Kiggans again voted along party lines, supporting another defense bill that also included similar language.
Specifically, the bills prohibited the Defense Department from reimbursing servicewomen for expenses like travel costs, while accessing abortions. The final versions of the bills signed into law did not include that amendment.
The ad also says Kiggans voted to “punish” doctors for reproductive care.
Last year, the House passed a bill called the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.” The bill proposed criminal penalties, such as jail time, if doctors don’t provide adequate care if an abortion “results in the live birth of an infant.”
Kiggans voted along party lines in favor of the bill.
When it comes to whether Kiggans could be the "deciding vote" for a total abortion ban, that needs more context.
A spokesperson for Kiggans has said, she believes abortion is an issue that should be determined at the state level.
Kiggans has not voted on any federal ban. Right now, it’s not entirely clear how far a proposed ban will go after the November election.
A House Republican from West Virginia introduced legislation called the Life at Conception Act which would, as the name suggests, entitle “preborn” people to constitutional protection. That bill is still in its beginning stages and has only been introduced.
Vice President Kamala Harris does not support a federal ban and has said she would support legislation codifying abortion rights in the Constitution.
As president, Donald Trump supported a federal abortion ban and he also appointed pro-life Supreme Court judges who helped overturn Roe v. Wade.
Recently, Trump said he would not support a Florida ballot measure to protect abortion rights, but he also said a six-week abortion ban in that state is “too short.”
Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance also said recently Trump would not support a federal abortion ban.
Political experts say Trump’s message on abortion needs to be better solidified.
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