Highlights:
2021: Sununu Signed A Budget Into Law Which Included Legislation That Banned Abortion After 24 Weeks And Required Mandatory Ultrasounds For All Abortions. According to Boston 25 News, “The Family Life Protection Act was written into the state budget earlier this year and was signed by Governor Chris Sununu. The new law will ban abortions after 24 weeks. While it includes an exception for the life and health of the mother, it doesn’t for the fetus. An ultrasound will be required before all abortions are performed.” [Boston 25 News, 12/30/21]
American Independent: Sununu’s Abortion Ban Was “New Hampshire’s First Modern-Age Abortion Ban.” According to the American Independent, “Despite calling himself pro-choice, Sununu signed New Hampshire’s first modern-age abortion ban into law in 2021, ignoring the majority of public opinion and opposing nearly 200 medical professionals, according to the Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund.” [American Independent, 8/16/22]
The Law Would Allow Health Care Providers To Be Imprisoned For Up To Seven Years For Providing Abortions After 24 Weeks. According to WMUR, “The laws clearly says that any health care provider ‘who knowingly performs or induces an abortion in violation of this subdivision and knows that the fetus has a gestational age of at least 24 weeks, or consciously disregards a substantial risk that the fetus has a gestational age of at least 24 weeks, shall be guilty of a class B felony,’ which is punishable by imprisonment of one to seven years.” [WMUR, 9/30/21]
A Source Said Sununu Urged GOP House Members To Take A “Broad View” Of Budget Bill And That The Bill Was A Huge Win. According to WMUR, “‘The governor walked into what I’d characterize as a fairly skeptical audience and did a fantastic job,’ said a person who was in attendance but asked not to be named. The source said that Sununu asked the members to take a ‘broad view’ of the budget, rather than focus on specific issues with which individual members have concerns or disagreement. ‘His message was that this was a huge win for the caucus. I think he helped them to appreciate the full spectrum of the proposal and that will help them to overcome some of the reservations they may have with particular pieces.’” [WMUR, 6/18/21]
Sununu Called The Budget “Transformational” And Claimed It Made “Real, Substantial Progress For The People Of Our State.” According to a Seacoast Online op-ed By Chris Sununu, “Every two years, lawmakers at the State House and the Governor come together, roll up our sleeves, and work to deliver a budget for the people of New Hampshire. To be successful, every budget requires compromise, balance, and most importantly every successful budget gets signed, assuring the people of New Hampshire that Washington style gridlock is never acceptable here in our state. This budget makes real, substantial progress for the people of our state, and citizens can rest assured that we are delivering results. With the lowest unemployment rate in the nation and the lowest poverty rate of any state in America, New Hampshire is opening up doors of opportunity like never before. This transformational budget for the people of New Hampshire will cut taxes across the board, lower property taxes, increase educational freedom for our children, and finally deliver a voluntary paid family medical leave program — without an income tax.” [Seacoast Online op-ed By Chris Sununu, 7/9/21]
Sununu On $13.5 Billion Budget That Abortion Restrictions: “A Win For Every Citizen.” According to the Concord Monitor, “The Republican-led New Hampshire Legislature on Thursday passed a two-year state budget that includes not only $13.5 billion in spending but tax cuts, abortion restrictions and controversial education programs and policies. […] ‘Historic tax cuts, property tax relief and Paid Family Medical Leave delivered all in one sweeping action is a win for every citizen and family in this state,’ he said in a statement.” [Associated Press, 6/24/21]
Sununu On The Budget: “There’s A Lot Of Good Stuff In There.” According to NHPR, “Gov. Chris Sununu applauded the $13.5 billion state budget compromise reached by Repulican [sic] negotiators in the House and Senate Thursday as a great deal for New Hampshire taxpayers and a prudent response to the needs of the state. ‘There’s a lot of good stuff in there,’ Sununu said at a Concord press conference. Sununu pointed in particular to cuts to state business taxes and spending on local aid as highpoints in the deal reached by Republican leaders. Sununu also defended several non-spending items that Republicans have included in the budget plan, including an ultrasound requirement for all people seeking an abortion in New Hampshire and a ban on abortions at 24 weeks, with no exceptions in cases of rape or incest.” [NHPR, 6/17/21]
Sununu Complained That, “Special Interest Groups Outside Of The Mainstream Thinking Will Use These Items To Spread Whatever Misinformation They Need To Further Their Political Cause.” According to a Seacoast Online op-ed by Chris Sununu, “One of the downsides of every budget process is that ultimately the legislature includes non-budgetary provisions. I don’t like the inclusion of these amendments, but it has happened with every budget since the dawn of time. Special interest groups outside of mainstream thinking will use these items to spread whatever misinformation they need to further their political cause. Like most Granite Staters, I don’t live in extremes on either side. I am pro-choice, but also like most Granite Staters — and Americans — I support a limit on abortions performed in months 7, 8, and 9 of pregnancy. This change to our laws brings NH in line with 43 other states. So when the legislature added this provision, I chose not to veto a $13 billion budget and shut down government over it. Doing so would have caused Washington style gridlock right here in New Hampshire, and I won’t allow that to happen. This budget, like every good budget was the result of compromise, and the pro-growth initiatives contained within like tax cuts, paid family medical leave, and property tax relief are sound policies that benefit everyone across the Granite State.” [Seacoast Online Op-Ed By Chris Sununu, 7/9/21]
Sununu Said He Would Not Veto Budget Bill Containing Proposal To Criminalize Abortions After 24 Weeks. According to New Hampshire Bulletin, “Gov. Chris Sununu signaled support Thursday for a proposal to criminalize abortions in New Hampshire after 24 weeks of pregnancy, a major announcement that could smooth passage of the Republican state budget this month. In an interview with talk radio host Chris Ryan Thursday, Sununu said he had no objections to the inclusion of the ban in the state budget. ‘So, look, I’m a pro-choice governor, but like most citizens of the state of New Hampshire, I do not think that we should be doing late-term or, you know, these at-the-very-last-minute type abortions,’ Sununu said. ‘That’s all this really touches upon, and I think most people agree that that’s, that’s not appropriate. So, no, I wouldn’t necessarily veto a budget over that.’ […] But on Thursday, Sununu argued the ban on third-trimester abortions was common sense. ‘I think fundamentally, again, most people agree that, you know, those types of late-term abortions are not appropriate,’ he said. ‘And even most pro-choice people agree with that as well.’’ [New Hampshire Bulletin, 6/3/21]
Sununu: “I’ve Done More On The Pro-Life Issue, If You Will, Than Anyone.” According to the New Hampshire Bulletin, “Asked in a podcast interview what abortion restrictions he’d put in place if he had his choice, Gov. Chris Sununu defended the 24-week abortion ban he signed last year and boasted he was the first Republican governor in decades to sign any ban. ‘I’ve done more on the pro-life issue, if you will, than anyone,’ he told Jim Geraghty, co-host of the national podcast ‘Three Martini Lunch,’ which describes itself as ‘a funny, edgy, and fast-paced podcast of the day’s major political stories.’” [New Hampshire Bulletin, 5/12/22]
2017: Sununu Signed A Fetal Homicide Bill Which Defined A 20-Week-Old Fetus As A Person For The Purpose Of Criminal Prosecution Of Murder. According to WMUR, “Sununu in 2017 signed into law a fetal homicide bill, which defines a fetus at 20 weeks of development and beyond as a person for the purpose of criminal prosecution of murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide and causing or aiding a suicide. When it passed the Legislature, Sununu said lawmakers had ‘delivered justice for women across our state.’” [WMUR, 10/25/18]
New Hampshire’s Law Would Allow Individuals Involved In The Death Of A Fetus To Be Charged With Murder, Manslaughter, Negligent Homicide, Or Causing Or Aiding A Suicide. According to WMUR, “The New Hampshire House at mid-day Thursday passed legislation that defines a fetus at 20 weeks of development and beyond as a person for purposes of criminal prosecution of murder, manslaughter, negligent homicide and causing or aiding a suicide.” [WMUR, 6/1/17]
Sununu Vetoed A Bill That Would Have Required Commercial Health Care Plans To Cover Abortion Care If They Covered Other Maternity Costs. According to the American Independent, “Last month, Sununu vetoed a bill that would have required all commercial health insurance plans to cover abortion services if they cover other maternity costs.” [American Independent, 9/14/20]
A Group Of 23 Health Care Professionals Said Sununu’s Veto Of The Reproductive Health Parity Act Would Allow Insurers To Restrict Abortion Access To Thousands. According to InDepthNH.org, “Twenty-three health-care professionals are calling on Gov. Chris Sununu to oppose the confirmation of President Donald Trump’s choice for the high court, Amy Coney Barrett, for her previously stated position on abortion and fears she would punish providers of abortion […] They cited his Aug. 7 veto of House Bill 685, the Reproductive Health Parity Act. The veto, the medical providers said, allows health insurers to restrict abortion access to thousands. The New Hampshire health-care providers concluded that the ‘only way to stand up for women’s reproductive rights and health care in New Hampshire is for you to reverse your position immediately and unequivocally oppose Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court.’” [InDepthNH.org, 10/13/20]
Sununu Said In A Mailer That He Supported Legislation That Would Permit Health Care Workers To Refuse To Work Or Counsel Anyone Regarding Services They Morally Opposed Including Abortion And Birth Control. According to the Union Leader, “Further in a mailing to pro-life voters, Sununu said he favors the so-called Health Care Freedom of Conscience Act that permits all employees of health care providers to refuse to work or counsel anyone regarding services that they morally oppose. Those services include abortion, birth control, stem-cell research and euthanasia.” [Union Leader, 1/1/17]
Sununu Said He Would Repeal A Law Requiring A Buffer In Front Of Abortion Clinics Protecting Patrons From Anti-Abortion Protestors. According to the Union Leader, “For example, Sununu said he would sign into law the repeal of the still-unenforced law that requires there be a buffer zone around abortion clinics so that their patrons aren’t harassed by pro-life protesters.” [Union Leader, 1/1/17]
2015: Sununu Voted With The Executive Council To Cut Funding To Planned Parenthood. According to the Keene Sentinel, “Sununu, who was the deciding vote against the contracts, said in an emailed statement that while he has supported providing Planned Parenthood with taxpayer funding in the past, the national and state investigations into the agency’s activities have convinced him otherwise. ‘Serious ethical and legal questions have been raised nationally about Planned Parenthood. New Hampshire would not even be considering approving such a contract if it were not for the political influence that Planned Parenthood has,’ he said. ‘There is precedent for rejecting state contracts when the applicant has been under investigation and surrounded by controversy, and given the sensitivity and seriousness of this issue, Planned Parenthood should be held to a similar standard of scrutiny.’ He said the Executive Council has asked Gov. Maggie Hassan and Attorney General Joseph Foster to launch an investigation into whether Planned Parenthood engaged in any illegal activity in New Hampshire.” [Keene Sentinel, 8/6/15]
Sununu Bragged About Casting The “Deciding Vote” To Oppose Taxpayer Funding Of Planned Parenthood In New Hampshire. According to an op-ed by Sununu in Patch, “On Wednesday, I cast the deciding vote on the Executive Council to oppose taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood in New Hampshire. In the past, I supported funding for Planned Parenthood as a provider of reproductive health services in my district. However, investigations into potential criminal activity on both a federal and multi-state level have convinced me to withdraw that support. Serious ethical and legal questions have been raised nationally about Planned Parenthood.” [Patch, Op-Ed- Chris Sununu, 8/7/15]
2016: Sununu Said He Stood By His Vote To Oppose Planned Parenthood Funding. According to the Foster’s Daily Democrat, “Chris Sununu, an executive councilor and Republican candidate for governor, said he will not change his position against funding two Planned Parenthood state contracts, after a grand jury in Houston, Texas, Monday found no wrongdoing by the organization relative to a fetal tissue program in that state. Nor, he said, will he be influenced by the GOP-majority New Hampshire House’s vote Wednesday not to investigate the women’s health care provider.” [Foster’s Daily Democrat, 1/28/16]
Sununu Approved A Five-Figure Pandemic Emergency Grant For An Anti-Abortion Group.
According to the American Independent, “But last month, Sununu approved a five-figure pandemic emergency grant for a crisis pregnancy center, an anti-abortion group that misleads and manipulates pregnant women and gender minorities to prevent them from choosing abortion. On its website, the so-called crisis center, Options for Women, falsely claims that ‘up to 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage.’ It owns another facility that says choosing abortion causes major psychological damage — an oft-used lie popular with anti-abortion activists.” [American Independent, 9/14/20]
The Group That Received The Grant Spread Falsehoods About Pregnancy And Abortion. According to the American Independent, “On its website, the so-called crisis center, Options for Women, falsely claims that ‘up to 30% of pregnancies end in miscarriage.’ It owns another facility that says choosing abortion causes major psychological damage — an oft-used lie popular with anti-abortion activists.” [American Independent, 9/14/20]
Sununu Signed A Letter Backing Neil Gorsuch For The Supreme Court. According to NHPR, “But that lack of standing didn’t stop Sununu from signing past RGA letters backing the confirmation of Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh.” [NHPR, 10/10/20]
Gorsuch Joined The Majority In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, The Case That Overturned Roe v. Wade. According to the New York Times, “The Supreme Court on Friday overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion after almost 50 years in a decision that will transform American life, reshape the nation’s politics and lead to all but total bans on the procedure in about half of the states. […] Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett joined the majority opinion.” [New York Times, 6/24/22]
SUNUNU SUPPORTED SCOTUS NOMINEE BRETT KAVANAUGH
Sununu Signed A Letter In Support Of Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh. According to WMUR, “But on Wednesday, Sununu suddenly ratcheted up his enthusiasm for Kavanaugh, joining 31 other Republican governors in a letter to the U.S. Senate leadership, encouraging the Senate ‘to move expeditiously to confirm his appointment.’ The governors wrote: ‘As his record shows, he will interpret the Constitution as written, informed by history, tradition, and precedent. Judge Kavanaugh will adjudicate legal disputes with impartiality, preserving the Constitution of the United States and the rule of law.’ The governors added: ‘Judge Kavanaugh’s impeccable credentials demonstrate he is worthy of this nomination.’” [WMUR, 7/26/18]
Kavanaugh Joined The Majority In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, The Case That Overturned Roe v. Wade. According to the New York Times, “The Supreme Court on Friday overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating the constitutional right to abortion after almost 50 years in a decision that will transform American life, reshape the nation’s politics and lead to all but total bans on the procedure in about half of the states. […] Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett joined the majority opinion.” [New York Times, 6/24/22]
Kavanaugh: “A Right To Abortion Is Not Deeply Rooted In American History And Tradition.” According to Kavanaugh’s concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, “To be sure, this Court has held that the Constitution protects unenumerated rights that are deeply rooted in this Nation’s history and tradition, and implicit in the concept of ordered liberty. But a right to abortion is not deeply rooted in American history and tradition, as the Court today thoroughly explains.” [U.S. Supreme Court, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Concurring Opinion – Justice Kavanaugh, 6/24/22]
Sununu’s Nominee Gordon Macdonald, Was Confirmed As Chief Justice Of New Hampshire Supreme Court. According to a Sununu Press Release, “Today, after the Executive Council voted to confirm Attorney General Gordon MacDonald as Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement: ‘Attorney General Gordon MacDonald is one of the most highly qualified individuals ever to serve as Chief Justice and will lead New Hampshire’s highest court with distinction,’ said Governor Chris Sununu. ‘I would like to thank Councilors Wheeler, Kenney, Gatsas, and Stevens for carefully considering Gordon’s outstanding qualifications.’” [Sununu Press Release, 1/22/21]
At Confirmation Hearing MacDonald Would Not Reveal How He Would Rule If The Supreme Court Overturned Roe V Wade. According to the Concord Monitor, “Attorney General Gordon MacDonald said that he would respect U.S. Supreme Court precedent if appointed to the New Hampshire Supreme Court – including over reproductive rights – responding to questions at an extended hearing Thursday to assess his renomination by Gov. Chris Sununu. However, he would not detail how he might rule in the state’s highest court should Roe v. Wade be overturned federally, citing a longstanding tradition of not commenting on future decisions as a judicial nominee. He declined to divulge his own opinion. ‘My view about abortion and any other issue that comes before the court is not relevant to the ability for me to exercise the role of a judge,’ MacDonald told the New Hampshire Executive Council.” [Concord Monitor, 1/21/21]
Democrats And Reproductive Rights Advocates Noted MacDonald Spent His Career Serving The Pro-Life Wing Of The Republican Party Including Assisting Writing Legislation That Would Define Life Starting At Conception. According to the Concord Monitor, “But Democrats and reproductive rights advocates have objected to his time spent serving the Republican Party, and have argued that the pro-life views of some of the politicians he used to work for call into question his commitment to the right to abortion. On Thursday, Warmington, a Concord attorney, leaned into that criticism, listing MacDonalds prior work representing the New Hampshire Republican state committee; his former position on the board of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, a right leaning think tank; and his work for Humphrey and Quayle, both of whom had espoused anti-abortion views. Warmington asked about legislation that had been filed by Humphrey while MacDonald worked for him that attempted to define life as starting at conception, and bar abortions. MacDonald said that he did not remember assisting that legislation, and that his job had been to assist the senator with his legislative priorities.” [Concord Monitor, 1/21/21]
Sununu Campaigned For Bob Stefanowski, Who Supported Anti-Abortion Policies, In Connecticut. According to the American Independent, “In June, Sununu campaigned in Connecticut with Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski. Stefanowski supports policies, such as notifying the parents of youth considering abortion access, that abortion advocates say would amount to restriction policies — and anti-abortion advocates cheer.” [American Independent, 8/16/22]
Sununu Campaigned For Paul LePage, Who Defunded Planned Parenthood And Said He Was Opposed To All Abortions, In Maine. According to the American Independent, “In July, Sununu traveled to Maine to support the state’s former Republican Gov. Paul LePage, who is running for a third term. Under LePage’s helm previously, the state defunded Planned Parenthood. He has stated his opposition to all abortions and attended several anti-choice rallies.” [American Independent, 8/16/22]
Sununu Campaigned For Chris Doughty, Who Was Anti-Abortion, In Massachusetts. According to the American Independent, “This month, Sununu also endorsed and campaigned for another anti-abortion gubernatorial candidate, Chris Doughty, in Massachusetts.” [American Independent, 8/16/22]