GOVERNOR LINDA LINGLE CHALLENGES NATIONAL PARTY TO CONSIDER DIVERSE VIEWS AMONG PARTY MEMBERS ON A WOMAN’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE

REPORT FROM LINDA LINGLE’S US SENATE CAMPAIGN – Governor Linda Lingle, candidate for Hawaii’s open U.S. Senate seat, called on the Republican National Committee to consider the diverse opinions of Party members related to a woman’s right to choose before adopting a proposed platform plank calling for a constitutional amendment banning abortion.

Her statements were delivered in the form of a letter to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus as well as Governor Bob McDonnell (VA), U.S. Senator Jim Hoeven (ND) and Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN) who are chairing the Party’s platform committee.

“This platform plank as drafted fails to recognize the views of pro-choice Republicans like myself. Throughout my years of public service, I have listened with great interest to both sides of this issue. The positions taken were argued with equivalent passion and commitment. But I have always been an ardent supporter of women’s rights, including a woman’s right to choose, and I do not stand alone in this opinion,” Governor Lingle said.  A full copy of the letter is attached.

Lingle’s opponent, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, and liberal attack organizations like ThinkProgress.org and Moveon.org have repeatedly attacked Governor Lingle’s record on women’s issues. Governor Lingle has remained firm in her commitment to a woman’s right to choose, while always respecting the opinions of those who may view the issue differently.

To be clear, Linda Lingle believes:

• a woman has an unequivocal right to choose what is best for her health, including her reproductive rights;
• decisions regarding a woman’s health care need to be left up to her, in consultation with her doctor and family;
• women (and men), including those with limited financial resources, should have broad access to contraceptives, emergency contraceptives and family planning services provided that there are clearly defined exceptions for religious institutions. As Governor of Hawaii, she signed Act 201 in 2003, Hawaii’s emergency contraception law, allowing pharmacists in Hawaii to dispense emergency contraception without prescriptions; and
• all legislation related to contraception, emergency contraception, family planning, and abortion must be met with equal respect for religious institutions that may object to these services. Their deeply held beliefs are no less important and must be acknowledged through appropriate exemptions within the law.

More information on Governor Lingle’s positions on policy issues can be found online at www.lingle2012.com/issues.

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